University Students' Understanding and Utilization of Food Labels: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: This study is aimed at investigating Zayed University students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding food labels and at identifying key predictors of food label use through logistic regression analysis. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study used a validated questionnaire to elicit data on KAPs regarding the use of nutritional information and food labels. This study was conducted from January to May 2023 in the UAE among students from Zayed University. A total of 1153 students aged 18 and above from Zayed University participated in the study. They were recruited using snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics were obtained using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: We found a positive level of knowledge regarding food labeling (89.9%). Over half the participants viewed food labels positively as around 55.6% reported checking labels and 58.6% replaced food based upon labels while 67.0% checked calories, and 49.7% checked nutritional value. Approximately 60% made their choices based on cost. Over 80% reported checking expiry dates and avoiding expired items. Marital and employment status was the only variables to influence attitudes toward food labeling and checking labels. Conclusion: Our findings show that there is great potential for education regarding food labels to be effective in improving dietary practices.