DO ADOLESCENTS IN MALAYSIA READ AND UNDERSTAND FOOD LABELS?: EVIDENCE FROM A NATIONWIDE STUDY.

Background: Food label is any printed panel on a package or a container of food or food product that contains information of the nutritional value and ingredients of the product. Reading food label during food purchasing would encourage consumers to make healthier choices. This study aimed to explore the association between reading food labels and sociodemographic characteristics, antroprometry assessments, and body weight perception among students aged between 13 and 17 in Malaysia Material and methods : We analysed the data from the Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling design was used, and a total of 212 schools across Malaysia were selected for this survey. Weighting and the sample design were accounted for in all the analyses. The information read and understanding of food label was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results : The overall prevalence of reading food labels among students aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia was 84.5%. Girls were found to have significantly higher odds of reading food labels compared to boys (aOR 1.48, p<0.001). Indian, Malay, and others ethnicity of adolescents were reported significantly higher odds of reading food label. The student who answers correct interpretation related to nutrition labeling such as percentage of calories, highest and lowest ingredients also more likely to read the food label. Those with the perception of being overweight and obese were found to have lower odds to read food labels compared to those perceived themselves with normal weight. Students who were currently trying to reduce and increase weight were significantly more likely to read food labels. Conclusion: The prevalence of reading food labels among adolescents in Malaysia is high. However, understanding details related to nutrition labelling should be a part of all programs directed towards tackling the benefit of reading food labels while during food selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]