ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study investigates the efficacy of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels (FOPNLs) as a cost-effective tool for improving dietary choices among Greek consumers. The purpose of the study was to investigate Greek customers' preferences and comprehension of commonly used European FOPNL schemes. METHODS: The Hellenic Food Authority and the Agricultural University of Athens performed a representative online survey in March 2022, titled "The Role of Nutritional Labelling in Public Perception and Food Procurement." Consumers responded to a questionnaire separated into two parts. Part one included (i) personal, sociodemographic information, and (ii) subjective opinions on the FOPNL schemes, and part two comprised (iii) an objective understanding of NutriScore and NutrInform Battery, using 15 different foods. Participants were randomly allocated to these groups, and general mixed models were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1389 adults completed the first part of the survey, and 74.8% completed the second part. The Multiple Traffic Lights scheme was the preferred FOPNL, chosen by 48.4% of respondents, compared to 19.7% for NutrInform Battery and 12.3% for NutriScore. However, the mean objective assessment score was highest for NutriScore (5.8 ± 2.3) compared to NutrInform Battery (5.4 ± 1.9). CONCLUSION: The results highlight the necessity for comprehensive nutrition education programs by showing a considerable gap between subjective preferences and an objective understanding of nutrition labels.
Subject(s)
Consumer Behavior , Food Labeling , Food Preferences , Humans , Food Labeling/methods , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Greece , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Choice Behavior , Adolescent , Nutritive Value , Comprehension , Aged , PerceptionABSTRACT
The study aimed to assess the total prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), and separately, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among adults and to determine their potential association with fructose consumption. Data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey were included (3798 adults; 58·9 % females). Information regarding FGID symptomatology was assessed using self-reported physician diagnosis questionnaires the reliability of which were screened using the ROME III, in a sample of the population. Fructose intake was estimated from 24 h recalls, and the MedDiet score was used to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The prevalence of FGID symptomatology was 20·2 %, while 8·2 % had IBS (representing 40·2 % of total FGID). The likelihood of FGID was 28 % higher (95 %CI: 1·03-1·6) and of IBS 49 % (95 %CI: 1·08-2·05) in individuals with higher fructose intake than with lower intake (3rd tertile compared with 1st). When area of residence was accounted for, individuals residing in the Greek islands had a significantly lower probability of FGID and IBS compared with those residing in Mainland and the main Metropolitan areas, with Islanders also achieving a higher MedDiet score and lower added sugar intake, comparatively to inhabitants of the main metropolitan areas. FGID and IBS symptomatology was most prominent among individuals with higher fructose consumption, and this was most conspicuous in areas with a lower Mediterranean diet adherence, suggesting that the dietary source of fructose rather than total fructose should be examined in relation to FGID.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Food propensity questionnaires (FPQs) are means of dietary assessment in nutritional epidemiology, which provide valuable information for long term intakes and food group consumption. These tools, however, may be subjected to misreporting and need to be validated against standard quantitative methods. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the qualitative FPQ developed to assess the dietary habits of the general population in Greece during the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) and to assess the population's intake of specific food groups in relation to guidelines. METHODS: Validation analysis was based on 3796 [1543 men (42.82%) and 2253 women (57.18%)] participants of the HNNHS in relation to two interviewer-administered 24 h recalls (24 hR). Participants were asked to report the frequency of their dietary intake, using the FPQ provided. Correlations and significance between methods were assessed via Spearman correlation and a Two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test, respectively. Agreement between the FPQ and the 24 hR was performed using the Bland-Altman test and differences between the FPQ's shown intakes and the recommended intakes by the Dietary Guidelines for Greek Adults were calculated. RESULTS: Medium to weak correlations, but statistically significant (p < 0.05), were observed for most food groups between 24 hR and the FPQ; medium for fruits, dairy products, drinks, and spirits (ranging from ρ = 0.371 to ρ = 0.461; highest for drinks and spirits) and weak for vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, starch foods, sweets, nuts, fats and oils, and fast food (ρ = 0.111 to ρ = 0.290; lowest for starch foods). A non-significant correlation was found for legumes (ρ = 0.070). The mean intake agreement (Bland-Altman analysis) between the FPQ and the 24 hR was 96.08% and ranged from 94.43 to 99.34% for the 14 food groups under examination. When food group intakes were compared to guidelines, results showed that the population's dietary intake was below the guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and legumes. On the other hand, it was above the guidelines for most of the "unhealthy" food groups, in particular, fast food, sweets, drinks and spirits, red meat, and sweets. CONCLUSIONS: The specific FPQ provides valid information on major food groups and can be used to examine long term dietary patterns in nutritional studies. Ιn addition, dietary intakes of Greek adults are problematic and initiatives at the public health level are necessary.
