Perceived self-efficacy in reading Nutrition Facts labels about salt content in a public health clinic population: Los Angeles County, California

Introduction: Perceived self-efficacy in reading labels about sodium (salt) content is often an overlooked contributor to self-directed behavioral change(s) that influences cardiovascular health. The present analysis examines the level of self-efficacy in reading sodium labels among a group of vulnerable, low-income adults in a large, urban jurisdiction. Methods: The first round of the Los Angeles County Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (LA HANES) was a local health assessment of low-income adults residing in underserved regions of Los Angeles County (LAC). Conducted in 2011, prospective participants who met eligibility criteria were recruited systematically from five large public health centers. Each respondent completed a battery of biometric measurements, including waist circumference, height, weight, and blood pressure. Each also completed a written survey on self-reported demographics, health-risk behaviors, and perceived self-efficacy in healthy eating. Results: The survey response rate was 73% (n=720). A majority of respondents were black or Hispanic/Latino, female, and ages 25-44. Many were unemployed, had some college education or less, and/or were pre-hypertensive (SBP 120-139 or DBP 80-89) (40% respectively); 28% smoked. In comparative analyses, Asian/Pacific Islanders, blacks, and Hispanics/Latinos were more likely to report lower self-efficacy in reading sodium Nutrition Facts labels than whites (OR=1.69, 95% CL: 1.12-2.53; OR=1.71, 95% CL: 0.98-3.00; OR=1.64, 95% CL: 1.08-2.46, respectively). Conclusion: Study findings provide important insights into behavioral factors that may influence cardiovascular health, especially in low-income, at-risk groups. Perceived self-efficacy should be considered in the planning of public health interventions targeting sodium reduction in the community.