Reading food labels among users of primary care and associated factors

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of reading food labels, associated factors and information consulted by adults and elderly users of primary care. Methods Cross-sectional study with data collected by questionnaire. It was asked about the habit of reading labels and those who answered affirmatively where questioned about what information they are consulting. Calculating the prevalence of the outcome and its association with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, status and health services utilization, knowledge about health and nutrition and lifestyle habits. Results Among the 1,246 respondents, reading labels was reported by 70.9% and the associated factors were sex, age, marital status, education, diagnosis of chronic diseases, health and food self-perception, access to information on health and nutrition, guidance received for healthy eating and the practice of physical activity. The most consulted information was the expiration date (73.8%) and nutritional value (18%). Conclusion Reading food labels need to be popularized, through educational campaigns, or the interaction between users and health professionals. It is necessary to emphasize not only the importance of observing the validity of the products, but mainly to check the nutritional information in order to have healthier food choices.