Public Opinion Report of Nutrition Education and Nutrition-Related Behaviors

Authors

Kristen Hicks-Roof, University of North Florida, Department of Nutrition and DieteticsFollow
Robert J. Zeglin, University of North Florida, Department of Public HealthFollow
Daniel Manson, University of North Florida, Department of Nutrition and DieteticsFollow
Corinne A. Labyak, University of North Florida, Department of Nutrition and DieteticsFollow

Publication Date

May 2019

Abstract

Objectives: Sources of obtaining credible evidence-based nutrition knowledge appears to be more and more limited as nutrition information becomes widespread. The purpose of this study was to determine sources of nutrition information and corresponding nutrition-related behaviors among Florida residents. Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: A telephone survey was conducted using probability sampling with residents of Florida in October 2017.Results: A total of 611 respondents completed the survey from 45 different counties across Florida. A significant relationship was established between age and primary source of obtaining nutrition information. Young, middle age and elderly adults preferred media, registered dietitians and physicians/nurses respectively. Generally, media was the predominant source of obtaining nutrition information (37% of respondents). A majority (72%) of respondents reported they have not received recent formal nutrition education. Yet those who did report recent nutrition education reported protein from plant-based sources was more important to healthy eating than fruits and vegetables. Males and those less than 54 years old were more likely to perceive their diet as less than healthy. Conclusions: Health professionals and health educators are tried with the challenge of de-bunking false nutrition information and providing the public with factual nutrition education. Delivery of the research-based dietary recommendations needs to be consistent, factual and across multiple mediums. Further research needs to be conducted with a larger sample size from states other than just Florida on these nutrition-related behavior questions.

Recommended Citation

Hicks-Roof, Kristen; Zeglin, Robert J.; Manson, Daniel; and Labyak, Corinne A. (2019) "Public Opinion Report of Nutrition Education and Nutrition-Related Behaviors," Florida Public Health Review: Vol. 16, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/fphr/vol16/iss1/5