Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of Saudi adults about calorie labeling in central Saudi Arabia

Authors

• Hatim I. Alassaf, From the College of Medicine (Alassaf, Alaskar, Alqulaysh, Alshehri, Alnosian, Alshamrani), Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and from the Research Monitoring Department (Al-Tannir), Applied Clinical Research Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Yazeed A. Alaskar, From the College of Medicine (Alassaf, Alaskar, Alqulaysh, Alshehri, Alnosian, Alshamrani), Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and from the Research Monitoring Department (Al-Tannir), Applied Clinical Research Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Bader F. Alqulaysh, From the College of Medicine (Alassaf, Alaskar, Alqulaysh, Alshehri, Alnosian, Alshamrani), Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and from the Research Monitoring Department (Al-Tannir), Applied Clinical Research Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Mohammed A. Alshehri, From the College of Medicine (Alassaf, Alaskar, Alqulaysh, Alshehri, Alnosian, Alshamrani), Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and from the Research Monitoring Department (Al-Tannir), Applied Clinical Research Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Moath Y. Alnosian, From the College of Medicine (Alassaf, Alaskar, Alqulaysh, Alshehri, Alnosian, Alshamrani), Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and from the Research Monitoring Department (Al-Tannir), Applied Clinical Research Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Abdulwahab A. Alshamrani, From the College of Medicine (Alassaf, Alaskar, Alqulaysh, Alshehri, Alnosian, Alshamrani), Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and from the Research Monitoring Department (Al-Tannir), Applied Clinical Research Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Mohamad A. Al-Tannir, From the College of Medicine (Alassaf, Alaskar, Alqulaysh, Alshehri, Alnosian, Alshamrani), Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and from the Research Monitoring Department (Al-Tannir), Applied Clinical Research Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults regarding the implementation of calorie labeling in restaurants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1443 adults invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 4 parts that assess demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mandatory menu labeling. The survey was conducted in all 5 regions of Riyadh. Results: We entered 1265 surveys into final data analysis with a response rate of 88%. Of this, 1036 participants (82%) understood the meaning and values of calories, while 53% knew the average daily caloric intake. Regarding participants’ attitudes, 1053 (83%) perceived the importance of calorie labeling and (88%) supported this policy. Approximately 50% (n=626) of the participants were significantly more likely to be influenced by the calorie labeling to place a healthier order. Married ( p =0.050), educated ( p <0.001), and higher monthly income ( p <0.001) were significantly influenced to place a healthier restaurant order compared to their peers. Conclusion: Adults in Riyadh showed satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice since the implementation of this policy. Our findings showed that knowing the value of calories and average caloric intake had a significant positive influence for a healthier diet. This highlights the importance of menu labeling regulations campaigns for the public.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

296

Last Page

303

Recommended Citation

Alassaf, Hatim I.; Alaskar, Yazeed A.; Alqulaysh, Bader F.; Alshehri, Mohammed A.; Alnosian, Moath Y.; Alshamrani, Abdulwahab A.; and Al-Tannir, Mohamad A. (2020) "Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of Saudi adults about calorie labeling in central Saudi Arabia," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 41: Iss. 3, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2020.3.24916