Abstract
Objective: To verify the criterion validity of the Healthy Eating Literacy Scale by examining the association of food information-seeking and eating behaviors with nutrition literacy on obtaining and using food information.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Japanese men and women registered with a social survey company via the Internet. Mean age of the 1,252 participants (631 men and 621 women) was 40.3 years (standard deviation: 10.7 years). Multiple regression analysis (forced entry method) was conducted with the Healthy Eating Literacy Scale score as the independent variable and food information search count and eating behavior score as dependent variables. Criterion validity was analyzed by multiple regression analysis among all participants as well as within subgroups according to gender, age group, and educational attainment.
Results: Among all participants, Healthy Eating Literacy Scale score was significantly associated with higher food information search count (β=0.17, p\<0.01) and better eating behavior score (β=0.27, p\<0.01). When analyzed within the subgroups according to gender, age group, and educational attainment, the Healthy Eating Literacy Scale was again significantly associated with higher food information search count and better eating behavior score.
Conclusion: Higher nutrition literacy is positively associated with higher frequency of searching for food information and practicing more appropriate eating behaviors. The Healthy Eating Literacy Scale may reflect behaviors related to obtaining and using food information. In this study, the criterion validity of the Healthy Eating Literacy Scale was also verified by gender, age group, and educational attainment.
