ABSTRACT
@#Nutrition information on food labels guides consumers to purchase healthier food choices. Besides nutrition information, other factors influence a purchase. This study aims to determine the association between the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among tertiary students on nutrition and food labels. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 190 students from three tertiary institutions within Klang Valley completed an online survey. Self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic profiles and KAP questions, available in Malay and English, were distributed. Association between KAP was determined using Spearman's Rho test, while multiple linear regression was used to assess predictors of KAP scores. Mean body mass index (BMI) of the respondents were 20.8 kg/m2. The total mean score for knowledge on food labels was 8.93, followed by attitude and practice with 3.86 and 3.11, respectively. There was a significant correlation between attitude and practice (p<0.005). Nutrient and total calorie information on food labels influenced purchases, with 56.3% of respondents reported looking at the total calorie content, followed by 55.7% and 49.5% checking on sugar and fats, respectively. In addition, other factors such as expiry date (60.9%) and price (59.9%) also influenced purchases. Overall, respondents have a positive attitude on food selection, but male respondents have better knowledge levels than females. However, female respondents interpret food labelling effectively compared to male respondents. Despite having good knowledge and attitude towards nutrition, respondents were still making poor choices. A more extensive range of healthier food options and targeted healthy eating campaigns may empower students to choose more nutritious foods.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial for the prevention of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Our contemporary way of life that is technology dependent has significantly reduced physical activity. This study aimed to determine accelerometer-measured physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) among adults in high and low walkability neighbourhoods in Penang and Kota Bharu, Malaysia. Methods: Participants (n=490) were sampled using multistage sampling method from neighbourhoods with varied levels of walkability using Geographical Information System (GIS). Physical activity was measured objectively using Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers, worn by the participants on their waists for a period of 5 to 7 days. Results: The participants had a mean of 13.5 min/day of MVPA. Total MVPA was significantly higher among participants in high walkability neighbourhoods (19.7 min/day vs. 9.1 min/ day). Results from t-test showed that the time spent on MVPA per day was significantly lower among participants residing in low walkability neighbourhoods. The final model of the MIXED model statistical tests showed that total MVPA was significantly associated with BMI, but not with WC measurements, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: Most of the participants had very low MVPA and did not achieve the current physical activity recommendations, implying that Malaysian adults residing in these two cities were not physically active to achieve health benefits. Results are suggestive of the importance of the walkability concept in neighbourhoods in encouraging physical activity and healthy body weight among Malaysians.