J Korean Diet Assoc.  2020 Nov;26(4):254-268. 10.14373/JKDA.2020.26.4.254.

Awareness, Satisfaction, and Usage Patterns of Elementary School Teachers for Food Labeling in Busan

• Lee JS

• KMID: 2508398
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14373/JKDA.2020.26.4.254

Abstract

This study examined the awareness, satisfaction, and usage patterns of 257 elementary school teachers for food labeling in Busan. The survey was conducted from April 15 to June 20, 2020, by questionnaires. The perception degree of food labeling was higher in female teachers than in male teachers and did not differ significantly among age groups. The score of the understanding degree was highest in their 20s and lowest in their 30s. The degree demand in their 50s was higher than in their 30s and 40s. The reliability degree in their 20s was higher than that of those in their 40s and 50s. The verification degree and satisfaction degree did not differ significantly with age or gender. The primary reason to check food labeling was ‘to confirm harmful additives (31.9%)’. Among those in their 20s and 30s, the major reason for reviewing nutrition labeling was ‘nutrient’, while it was ‘health improvement’ was most important in those in their 40s and 50s. Of the subjects, 31.1% reported that the reason for the difficulty in understanding the label was ‘various forms and the small letters’. The demand for the content was highest in trans fats. Apporximately 32.3% of the teachers were educated for food labeling; 42.4% of them taught food labeling, and 62.7% of them recognized the necessity of food labeling teaching. A correlation was observed between the demand for food labeling and understanding (r=0.586). Therefore, preparing education programs for teachers according to gender and age group and developing food additives-related programs will be necessary for strengthening the teachers’ ability to manage their dietary life and educate students.

Keyword

food labeling; satisfaction; awareness; usage patterns; elementary school teachers