Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Nutrition Facts Panel Use among Young Adults in the National Capital Region, Philippines.

Objective: This study identified the prevalence of Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) use. It determined the factors associated with NFP use among young adults aged 19-30 years old in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study collected data using a developed survey questionnaire. It was pretested to 32 respondents and administered online among young adults aged 19 to 30 years old residing in NCR at the time of the study, with a target sample size of 384. Convenience sampling was used to gather study participants. Nominal, ordinal, and interval data were summarized as frequencies and proportions. Mean and standard deviation were computed for ratio and interval data. Multiple logistic regression was used to test for the association to NFP use, reported as odds ratios.

Results: Study findings showed that the prevalence of NFP use among the respondents was 50.49% (95% CI: 44.64 - 54.81%). The factors found to be associated to NFP use were: 1) being a primary household food shopper (p-value= 0.029; OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.05-2.63), 2) having a special diet (p-value= 0.001; OR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.62-7.14), 3) using nutritional supplements (p-value= 0.041; OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02-2.25), 4) preparing food at home (p-value= 0.019; OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.08-2.49), and 5) engaging in physical activity (p-value< 0.001; OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.37-3.06) regularly.

Conclusion: The findings show the need for improved nutrition education and promotion, especially in the NFP. The study recommended improvement in the study methodology and nutrition education programs. It suggested several research areas and topics to be explored.