Diet-Nutrition Information Seeking, Source Trustworthiness, and Eating Behavior Changes: An International Web-Based...

Area of Science:

• Dietary and Nutritional Sciences
• Health Communication
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Individuals seek diverse diet and nutrition information from various sources.
• Understanding the trust and reliance placed on these sources is crucial for effective dietary changes.
• Previous research has not fully explored the relationship between information seeking, trust, and behavioral outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sources of diet and nutrition information participants seek, trust, and rely on.
• To examine the relationship between information seeking behaviors, perceived trustworthiness, and actual dietary changes.
• To explore factors influencing the formation of trust in different information sources.

Main Methods:

• An international web-based survey was conducted with 3419 participants.
• Data were collected on information-seeking behaviors from 22 sources, trust levels, and reliance for dietary changes.
• Qualitative insights into trustworthiness formation were also gathered.

Main Results:

• A significant disconnect exists between the popularity of information sources and their perceived trustworthiness.
• Nutrition-health websites, search engines, and books are frequently consulted, but nutrition scientists, professionals, and journals are most trusted.
• Source trustworthiness has a more pronounced influence on dietary changes than the frequency of seeking information.

Conclusions:

• Trust in a source is a more critical factor than mere information seeking for driving dietary modifications.
• Relying on less trusted sources for dietary advice is less likely to lead to behavioral changes.
• Information seeking does not always correlate strongly with effective dietary change, highlighting the importance of source credibility.