Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of University Students in Hong Kong Regarding Nutriton Label

Background Nutrition labeling has been enacted since 2010 in Hong Kong. University students are a special group of population representing the future of families, communities and even nations. However, the food consumption pattern among university students is of concern. Studies conducted in other countries indicated that food label may serve a useful function in empowering people to make healthy food choices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sample (n=155) of students recruited at various locations on campus. Data were collected using an 18-item questionnaire designed for this study. Results Of a possible six points, students' mean knowledge score was 4.49 ± 1.095. Notably, students with prior exposure to label reading education had significantly higher (P=0.018) knowledge scores than peer counterparts. Moreover, 87.1% of participants agreed that the nutrition label was easy to understand, especially for those students with previous food label education (p=0.01). However, only 58.8% students fit the food label into their daily diet. Knowledge did not influence label reading behavior (p>0.05). But attitudes were statistically significantly associated with label reading behavior (p=0.002). Conclusion There was a knowledge-behavior gap among university students regarding nutrition label. Knowledge was not sufficient to impact label-using behavior. Students possessed good knowledge of nutrition but they failed to translate them into daily life. Recommendation Emphasis should be placed on the attitudes towards nutrition label and healthy eating. To be effective, a tailored education campaign for university students is required.