Evaluation of the relationship between adults nutrition label readinghabits and attitudes and their blood lipid levels

ABSTRACT Bolat, N. Evaluation of the Relationship Between Adults Nutrition Label Reading Habits And Attitudes and Their Blood Lipid Levels, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty Of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Medical Specialization Thesis, Eskişehir, 2025. Food labeling is considered one of the key strategies in combating unhealty eating habits and related chronic diseases. Nutrition labels not only help consumers establish adequate and balanced dietary habits but also play a critical role in food safety. An effective food labeling system has the potential to reduce the prevalence of obesity and associated chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other cardiovascular conditions) by encouraging healthier and more informed choices by consumers. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between nutrition label reading habits and attitudes of volunteer participants aged 18 years and older who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Health, Practice and Research Hospital, and their sociodemographic data, health status, and blood lipid levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 20.03.2024 and 01.09.2024 with the participation of 342 adult individuals. As a result of study, the mean total score on the Nutrition Label Reading Attitude Scale (NLRAS) was found to be 75 ± 10.9. The median scale score of participants who always read nutrition labels was 84(78-90), those who sometimes read them had a median score of 74 (69-79), and those who never read labels had a median score of 62 (57-64), with statistically significant differences among these groups (p<0.001). Our study concluded that low levels of nutrition label reading habits and attitudes had a negative effect on participants blood lipid profiles. In order for nutrition labels to positively impact individuals health outcomes, proper interpretation and usage of the labels are necessary. Therefore, basic nutrition education and training on how to read and understand food labels should be implemented across all segments of society.