Validity of an updated nutrition literacy assessment instrument with the new nutrition facts panel

Abstract

The Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument (NLit) measures nutrition literacy, including a subscale for ability to interpret nutrition fact panels (NFP). Recent redesign of the NFP in the US was issued to improve usability. This study aimed to determine reliability of the NLit subscale using two NFP versions. A 35-item survey was administered to 48 attendees with very low incomes. Surveys included previously validated NLit numeracy questions referencing the Current NFP (C-NFP), demographic and financial literacy questions, and the same NLit numeracy questions referencing the New NFP (N-NFP). NLit numeracy between the C-NFP and N-NFP were related (r = 0.842, p < .001), and N-NFP showed excellent reliability (Cronbach-α = 0.815). Mean NLit numeracy scores for the C-NFP and N-NFP were 53.5% and 55.5%, respectively (p = .437). Exchanging the N-NFP for the C-NFP in the NLit maintains strong reliability. Similar numeracy scores between C-NFP and N-NFP suggest the redesign may not be easier to read.

Keywords:

• Nutrition
• knowledge
• label

Acknowledgements

The Food Label & Numeracy section of the Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument © 2016, University of Kansas, is used with permission.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded, in part, by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.