ABSTRACT
Front-of-package labelling is a measure that can facilitate consumption of healthier foods. This study examined the predictors of consumers' intentions to use food labelling to make healthy food choices and prevent non-communicable diseases before the implementation of the front-of-package labelling policy in Brazil. An extended theory of planned behaviour incorporating knowledge and food literacy served as the theoretical foundation. First, experts (n = 6) and the target population (n = 30) validated the questionnaire, and the validation data were analysed using content validity coefficients (CVC). An online questionnaire was administered to 783 participants, and data were collected between May and October 2022. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the prediction hypothesis. The questionnaire showed adequate content validity, with all indicators of CVC ≥ 0.75. In the PLS-SEM attitudes (p < 0.001), subjective norms (p < 0.001), knowledge (p < 0.001), and food literacy (p < 0.001) positively predicted the intention to use food labels to make healthy food choices, confirming the main hypothesis. Also, Food literacy and knowledge predicted all constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (p < 0.001). The results highlight the importance of providing nutritional knowledge and food literacy, developing nutritional skills and abilities to encourage consumers to make healthy food choices, and to strengthen other policies such as front-of-package labelling.
Subject(s)
Food Labeling , Food , Humans , Brazil , Health Status , PolicyABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Objective: To investigate the association between parental feeding practices and the consumption of ultra-processed foods in preschool children. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 140 parents (father and mother) and their children (2-6 year-old). Parental feeding practices were assessed using the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire. Children's body weight and height were measured, and body mass index z-score per age was calculated. Parental anthropometric measurements (body weight and height) were obtained by self-report, and body mass index was calculated. The consumption of ultra-processed foods was assessed through the Child Food Frequency Questionnaire and the daily intake score was calculated. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between parental feeding practices and the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Results: Children's ultra-processed food consumption was negatively associated with the "Monitoring" parental feeding practices. On the other hand, "Emotion Regulation" and "Health restriction" parental feeding practices were positively associated with the ultra-processed food consumption score. Conclusion: Ultra-processed food consumption was associated to the "Monitoring", "Emotion regulation" and "Health restriction" parental feeding practices in preschool children. These results support the importance of using successful parental feeding practices to promote healthy eating in preschoolers.
RESUMO: Objetivo: O estudo buscou investigar a associação entre as práticas alimentares parentais e o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados em crianças pré-escolares. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 140 pares de pais e crianças de 2 a 6 anos de idade. As práticas parentais foram avaliadas pelo questionário Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire. O peso e a estatura das crianças foram aferidos e o escore z de índice de massa corporal para idade, calculado. A avaliação antropométrica dos pais foi realizada por meio do autorrelato de peso e altura e cálculo do índice de massa corporal. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi avaliado pelo Questionário de Frequência Alimentar da Criança e pelo cálculo de escore de consumo diário. Realizaram-se análises de regressão linear múltipla para avaliar a associação entre as práticas alimentares parentais e o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Resultados: O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados pelas crianças associou-se negativamente à prática parental de "Monitoramento". Por outro lado, as práticas alimentares parentais de "Regulação da emoção" e "Restrição para saúde" associaram-se positivamente ao escore de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados por crianças pré-escolares relacionou-se às práticas alimentares parentais de "Monitoramento", "Regulação da emoção" e "Restrição para saúde". Esses resultados ressaltam a importância do uso de práticas alimentares parentais com desfecho positivo para a promoção de uma alimentação saudável em pré-escolares.
