Reading Practice of Nutrition Labeling and Associated Factors Among Packaged Food Consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

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Despite this trend, little is known about the extent to which people in the area read nutritional labels on packaged foods. Objective This study aims to evaluate the consumer reading practices of nutritional labeling and identify associated factors among consumers of packaged foods. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on a randomly selected sample of 606 individuals purchasing packaged foods in Bahir Dar city from May 27 to June 27, 2022. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study participants, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Data was interred into Epi data version 3.1 and analysis using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression models, utilizing both bivariate and multivariable analysis methods, and declared significant at P-value < 0.05 with AOR 95% of CI. Results The study revealed that 58.9% (CI: 54.9%−62.9%) of participants exhibited poor reading practices of nutrition labels on packaged foods. Factors associated with poor reading practices included age 18−29 (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.80), elementary education (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.52), being single (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.00), absence of health problems (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.64), not working in food establishments (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 11.0), and poor nutritional knowledge (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.50). Conclusion The study indicates a lower level of nutritional label reading practice in Bahir Dar city compared to previous studies in Addis Ababa. Therefore, collaborative efforts involving the regional health bureau and other stakeholders are recommended to enhance nutrition education. Reading practice nutrition labelling packaged food consumer Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Introduction To prevent confusion and safeguard consumers from microbial contamination, food labels play a crucial role in providing information about the composition and nature of food items ( 1 ). These labels serve as a means of communication, conveying information about packaged foods from the production stage to the end consumer ( 2 ). Research indicates that the act of reading nutritional information on food labels significantly influences consumers' choices of food products and brands, promoting a culture of healthier food consumption ( 3 ). Therefore, encouraging a wider adoption of nutrition labels for monitoring food and calorie intake is pivotal for making informed dietary decisions ( 4 ). The prevalence of processed and packaged foods is notable in high-income countries, and their consumption is rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries as well. In comparison to unprocessed foods, processed foods often contain higher levels of unfavorable nutrients, including added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and trans-fats ( 3 , 5 , 6 ). Studies have highlighted the correlation between the rise in diet-related public health issues and diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases with the high consumption of packaged foods and inadequate practices in reading nutrition labels ( 7 ). It is crucial to carefully review and make use of the information provided on food labels when buying packaged foods ( 7 ). This is because these labels contain vital details about a product's characteristics, including its ingredients, source, expiration date, and recommended storage conditions ( 8 ). Unfortunately, a significant portion of individuals worldwide, spanning from 27.0 percent to 97.47 percent, are not accustomed to reading labels on packaged foods ( 9 – 11 ). Moreover, consumers in African countries still face challenges in reading food labels on packaged products. Surveys conducted in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Libya revealed that 22.8–75.3% of consumers exhibited low reading practices ( 11 – 14 ). Studies conducted in Ethiopia indicate that the prevalence of poor reading practice ices of nutrition labels ranged from 53.3–67.7% ( 8 ). There exists a correlation between the consumption of packaged foods, the practice of reading food labels, and the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. The escalating annual rate of chronic diseases imposes a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system and results in the loss of valuable lives. Encouraging consumers to utilize nutrition fact labels while making food purchases is one approach to address unhealthy eating habits ( 8 ). In recent years, the Ethiopian market has witnessed an influx of both imported and locally produced prepackaged foods ( 15 ). The effectiveness of food labels in assisting consumers in making healthy food choices depends on the awareness and utilization of these labels by consumers ( 16 ). However, there is limited information available regarding the awareness and utilization of food labels on prepackaged foods among Ethiopian consumers. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the practice of reading nutrition labels and identify associated factors among consumers of packaged foods in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. Methods Study area, design and period This research was conducted in Bahir Dar city through a cross-sectional study design spanning from May to June 2022. Bahir Dar serves as the capital city of the Amhara regional state, situated in the northwest region of Ethiopia, approximately 565 km away from Addis Ababa, the country's capital. The city comprises six administrative sub-cities, namely Fasilo, Tana, Dagmawi Menelik, Belay Zeleke, Gisha Abay, and Ats Tewodros. Within these sub-cities, a total of 26 supermarkets were identified. As per estimates derived from the 2020–2021 census, the population of Bahir Dar was projected to be 344,964 ( 17 ). Eligibility Criteria Inclusion Criteria The study included all individuals aged 18 years and above who bought food items from supermarkets in Bahir Dar city. Exclusion Criteria The study excluded non-Ethiopian citizens, and Ethiopians who do not permanently reside in Bahir Dar city were also excluded. Sample size and techniques The study's minimum required sample size was determined using the single population proportion formula, taking into account the following assumptions: The actual sample size was calculated using the formula where n is the sample size, zα/2 is the 95% confidence level, P is the proportion (44.7%) ( 18 ), and d is the margin of error set at 5%. Considering a design effect of 1.5 and a 10% non-response rate, the final sample size was determined to be 627. For the second objective (factors), the authors utilized the Epi-info version 7 computer program with assumptions including a 95% confidence interval, 80% power, and the ratio of exposed to non-exposed (R) for various factors and parameters. However, the calculated sample size for the second objective was 594, which was less than the sample size derived from the first objective. Therefore, the larger sample size of 627 was adopted. The study employed a systematic random sampling technique to select participants, with the sample size proportionally allocated based on the randomly selected supermarkets for each study. Operational Definition Good reading practice : When consumers score the mean and above on the total of 10 reading practice assessment questions; otherwise, consider them to have poor reading practice ( 18 ). Good knowledge : Refers to consumers who score the mean and above on the total of 10 knowledge assessment questions; otherwise, consider them to have poor knowledge ( 18 ). Consumer : Refers to an individual who uses or consumes a packaged food product containing all the food label components ( 19 ). Data Collection Procedures, Tools and data quality assurance A pre-tested structured questionnaire was utilized for data collection adapted from CDC ( 19 ). Initially prepared in English, the questionnaire underwent translation into Amharic. To ensure translation consistency, the Amharic version was back-translated into English. Following pre-testing, the Amharic version questionnaire and the English version checklist were employed for data collection. Pre-testing took place at supermarkets not included in the study, involving 5% of the total sample size. The questionnaire covered aspects such as food label reading practices, socio-demographic details, health and work-related information, product and package-related inquiries, and knowledge on food label assessment. Data collection was carried out by eight trained data collectors, all holding BSc degrees in health or related fields, and supervised by the principal investigators. Following a one-day training session for the data collectors, face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect the data. Consent and willingness were obtained from each participant before administering the questionnaires. Data quality was ensured through the training of data collectors. After the pre-test, necessary corrections were made to the questionnaire. Regular monitoring occurred during data collection, with obtained questionnaires reviewed for completeness and accuracy both during the interviews and at the end of each day. Statistical analysis For statistical analysis and management, the collected data underwent cleaning, coding, and checking before being entered into EPI data version 3.1. Subsequently, the data were transferred to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive and analytic statistics were employed, calculating summary statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and percentages. Binary logistic regression models, utilizing both bivariate and multivariable analysis methods, were employed to assess associations between independent variables and the dependent variable. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were candidates for multivariable analysis to control for confounders. A significance level of P < 0.05 was used to declare the presence of a statistically significant association, with the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) reported along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result Socio-Demographic Characteristics The study involved the participation of 606 supermarket consumers, yielding a response rate of 96.6%. Among them, 367 (60.6%) were females, and the respondents had a mean age of 35.9 ± 11.2 SD years. A total of 234 (38.6%) participants had a degree or higher education, and 313 (51.7%) were married. The respondents had a mean (± SD) family size of 5.21 (± 2.18), with over half of the participants (385 or 63.5%) having a family size of five or more ( Table 1 ). Table 1 Socio-demographic and economic characteristics of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022. Variables Categories Frequency Percent Sex Male 239 39.4 Female 367 60.6 Age 18–29 217 35.8 30–39 179 29.5 40–49 121 20.0 ≥ 50 89 14.7 Educational status Elementary 219 36.1 Secondary 102 16.8 Diploma 51 8.4 Degree and above 234 38.6 Occupation Governmental employed 101 16.7 Private employed 94 15.5 Own business 298 49.2 Housewives 40 6.6 Student 73 12.0 Marital status Married 313 51.7 Single 220 36.3 Divorced 58 9.6 Widowed 15 2.5 Partners education level Elementary 75 12.4 Secondary 105 17.4 Diploma 37 6.1 Degree and above 96 15.8 Religion Orthodox 465 76.7 Muslim 105 17.3 Protestant 33 5.4 Other 3 0.5 Income < 6000 ETB 342 56.4 ≥ 6000 ETB 264 43.6 Number of children 0 149 24.6 1–2 154 25.4 3–4 245 40.4 ≥ 5 58 9.6 Family size < 5 221 36.5 ≥ 5 385 63.5 Health and Work Characteristics A majority of participants, 554 (91.4%), did not undergo regular health checkups within a year, and 115 (19.0%) had a documented chronic health condition. Among the reported chronic health issues, 43 (7.1%) participants mentioned hypertension. The majority of participants, 586 (96.7%), were non-smokers, and 379 (62.5%) did not have a habit of consuming alcohol. A total of 107 (17.7%) participants engaged in regular physical exercise, while 25 (4.1%) reported a habit of chewing chat ( Table 2 ). Table 2 Health and work condition related characteristics of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606). Knowledge of nutrition question Response Frequency Percent Familiar with the term "nutrition labeling’ Yes 494 81.5 No 112 18.5 Nutrition label is such important tool to improve our diet. Yes 591 97.5 No 15 2.5 Expire date & manufacture date mostly labeled in Gregorian calendar Yes 491 81.0 No 115 19.0 Not knowing nutrition label leads to potential health problem. Yes 597 98.5 No 9 1.5 Nutrition information is important to choose healthy diet. Yes 588 97.0 No 18 3.0 Nutrition information can help to sustain or lose or gain weight? Yes 591 97.5 No 15 2.5 Nutrition information enables not to consume high amount of fat, sugar and cholesterol. Yes 587 96.9 No 19 3.1 High amount of saturated fat contents in food products are related to health problem. Yes 593 97.9 No 13 2.1 Kilocalorie is the unit measurement of energy from diet. Yes 337 55.6 No 269 44.4 Fatty foods provide the highest amount of energy compared to other food stuffs. Yes 527 87.0 No 79 13.0 Good knowledge 375 61.9 Poor knowledge 231 38.1 Knowledge of Food and Nutritional Label on Packed Foods Table 3 Knowledge on food label of packed foods of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606). Variables Categories Frequency Percent Regularly health status checking Yes 52 8.6 No 554 91.4 Known chronic disease health problem Yes 115 19.0 No 491 81.0 Type of chronic disease health problem Diabetes mellitus 14 2.3 Hypertension 43 7.1 Cardiovascular disease 15 2.5 Asthma 15 2.5 Hyperlipidemia 18 3.0 Cancer 3 0.5 Other 13 2.1 For whom food product purchased Self 143 23.6 Father 35 5.8 Mother 99 16.3 Husband 51 8.4 Wife 64 10.6 Children 101 16.7 Brother 35 5.8 Sister 49 8.1 Servant 29 4.8 Enough shopping time Yes 419 69.1 No 187 30.9 Working in food establishments Yes 15 2.5 No 591 97.5 Drinking Alcohol Yes 227 37.5 No 379 62.5 Cigarette smoking Yes 20 3.3 No 586 96.7 Chewing chat Yes 25 4.1 No 581 95.9 Doing regular exercise Yes 107 17.7 No 499 82.3 Product and Package Related Characteristics Among the 606 participants, 565 (93.2%) encountered scientific terms when reading nutritional labels, and 568 (93.7%) encountered unfamiliar language. The findings reveal that 541 (89.3%) participants faced challenges with smaller font size, and 573 (94.6%) noted a lack of a labeled guideline. A significant portion, 551 (90.9%) of participants, believed that the purchased food product is healthy or safe, and 577 (95.2%) were familiar with the product (Table 4 ). Table 4 Product and package related characteristics of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606). Variables Categories Frequency Percent Face scientific words Yes 565 93.2 No 41 6.8 Face unfamiliar language Yes 568 93.7 No 38 6.3 Face small font size Yes 541 89.3 No 65 10.7 Face lack of labeled guideline Yes 573 94.6 No 33 5.4 Believe that the purchased food product is healthy/safe Yes 551 90.9 No 55 9.1 Familiarity of the purchased product Yes 577 95.2 No 29 4.8 The use of various components of Food Labels among Participants Utilization According to the respondents, the frequently mentioned elements on food labels were the expiration date (93.9% reported) and manufacture date (83.8% reported), while the least frequently noted were batch/lot identification (22.6% reported) and the ingredient list (44.6% reported) (Fig. 1 ). Reading Practice of Food or Nutrition Label on Packed Foods Participants were requested to enumerate the factors they typically inspect before buying packaged food. The average reading practice was 6.13 (± 2.00 SD). Individuals scoring below the mean were classified as having poor reading practice. The results reveal that 58.9% (CI: 54.9%, 62.9%) of participants exhibited inadequate reading practices regarding nutrition labels on packaged foods (Fig. 2 ). Factors Associated with Reading Practice of Food Labeling Upon adjusting for potential confounding variables through multivariable analysis, it was revealed that factors associated with poor reading practices of nutritional labels include age 18–29 (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.80), elementary education (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.52), being single (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.00), having no health problems (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.64), not working in food establishments (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 11.0), and possessing poor nutritional knowledge (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.50) (Table 5 ). Table 5 Factors associated with reading practice of nutritional labeling among supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606). Variables Categories Reading practice COR (95% CI) AOR (95% CI) P-value Poor Good` Age 18–29 105 112 1.51(0.91, 2.51) 1.47 (1.23–3.80) 0.02 * 30–39 64 115 0.90(0.53. 1.52) 0.69 (0.36, 1.31) 0.27 40–49 46 75 0.99(0.56. 1.74) 0.80 (0.42, 1.52) 0.50 ≥ 50 34 55 1 1 Level of education Elementary 80 139 0.59(0.40, 0.86) 1.29 (1.16,1.52) < 0.01 * Secondary 33 69 0.49(0.30, 0.80) 1.43 (1.25, 2.73) 0.12 Diploma 21 30 0.72(0.39, 1.33) 1.65 (1.34, 2.26) 0.47 Degree and above 119 115 1 1 Marital status Married 122 191 1 1 Single 99 121 1.28(0.90, 1.81) 1.58 (1.33, 2.00) 0.04 * Separated 28 45 0.97(0.57, 1.64) 1.72(1.36, 2.41) 0.33 Any chronic disease health problem Yes 76 39 1 1 No 281 210 0.68(0.45. 1.05) 1.48(1.04, 2.64) 0.04 * Working in food establishments Yes 6 9 1 1 No 351 240 2.19(0.77, 6.24) 3.44(1.06, 11.0) 0.03 * Knowledge status Good 119 256 1 1 Poor 130 101 2.76(1.97, 3.88) 1.34(1.24, 2.50) < 0.01 * Discussion The prevalence of poor reading practice of nutrition labels on packaged food among consumers in Bahir Dar city was 58.9%. This result aligns with a study conducted in Addis Ababa, where the prevalence was reported as 55.3%. However, it is lower than estimates from studies in the UK (83%)( 20 ), Iran (77.7%) ( 21 ), and China (70.0%) ( 22 ), which all indicated higher rates of poor nutrition label use. Conversely, this findings are higher than studies Ghana (18.1%) ( 12 ), Botswana (22.8%) ( 23 ), India (23.5%) ( 24 ), Turkey (27.7%) ( 25 ), and a different study in Addis Ababa (33%) ( 8 ). These variations may be attributed to differences in the market system, educational levels, and globalization. Regarding predictive factors, participants aged 18−29 were found to be more prone to poor reading practices of nutritional labels compared to those aged 50 and above. This finding is consistent with studies in Ghana ( 12 ) and China ( 22 ), which suggested that older adults tend to use nutrition information to guide their food choices during purchasing, possibly due to greater nutritional awareness or health concerns. Additionally, older individuals may have fewer time constraints during shopping. In this study, participants with only elementary education were more likely to exhibit poor reading practices of food labels compared to those with a college degree and above, suggesting that education level influences label reading and implies a lack of education as a barrier. Similar findings are reported in Addis Ababa, Lesotho, and Ghana, indicating that individuals with advanced college education exhibit higher reading practices. This is attributed to consumers with higher education levels finding food labels easier to read and understand than those with lower education levels ( 8 , 12 ). Unmarried individuals exhibited a higher susceptibility to poor reading practices compared to their married counterparts, aligning with findings from a study in Addis Ababa ( 8 ). This trend may be attributed to the fact that single individuals are more likely to rely on a singular source of income for household finances and may pay less attention to meal preparation, potentially leading them to visit supermarkets less frequently. Additionally, married individuals tend to be more mindful of what they cook and consume, given their responsibility for the entire family, not just themselves ( 8 , 17 ). Participants who did not report a chronic disease health problem were more prone to poor reading practices of nutritional labels compared to those with chronic health issues. A plausible explanation for this observation is that healthy eating habits positively influence the attention given to nutritional labels. Individuals in good health may be less concerned about the health risks associated with consuming packaged foods and may not prioritize reading the labels compared to those with health problems. This finding is consistent with previous research, indicating that individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are more likely to use nutritional labels compared to those without such health issues ( 4 , 8 , 17 , 21 ). In comparison to participants who were employed in food outlets, those who were not employed were more likely to be at risk for poor reading practices of nutritional labels, aligning with findings from a previous study in Nanjing, China ( 22 ). This tendency may be attributed to the fact that working in food establishments tends to enhance nutritional awareness and, consequently, dietary practices ( 2 ). The study also revealed a significant association between participants' nutritional knowledge and their reading practices. Individuals with poor knowledge were more likely to exhibit poor reading practices compared to those with good knowledge ( 21 ). This observation aligns with findings from other studies indicating that consumers with knowledge about diet and health are more likely to engage in nutrition label reading ( 7 , 18 , 26 ). This relationship suggests that possessing good nutritional knowledge is a prerequisite for effective reading practices. Conclusion This study revealed that the practice of reading nutritional labels among consumers in Bahir Dar city was lower when compared to previous studies conducted in Addis Ababa. Age, educational status, marital status, the presence of health problems, workplace, and knowledge of nutritional labeling were identified as predictors of food label reading practices. Implications and Recommendations: In summary, this study underscores the necessity for enhancing nutrition education in Bahir Dar city. The regional health bureau should actively participate in public educational campaigns emphasizing the significance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy diet. For a sustained impact, the Ministry of Education should integrate nutrition education into the curriculum, starting from the early stages of education through secondary education. Additionally, policymakers should take the initiative to standardize a food label format that incorporates simplified information, legible typefaces, and understandable words and symbols. Supermarket owners are encouraged to consistently provide consumer-friendly usage guidelines. Abbreviations CVD: Cardio Vascular Disease DALYs: Disability-Adjusted Life-Years FDA: Food and Drug Administration NCDs: Non-Communicable Diseases SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences Declarations Authors’ contribution AA and GE developed the proposal, analyzed the data, and wrote and interpreted the results. Dr. DB as well as OA drafted the manuscript, revised the proposal, checked the data, and revised the manuscript. OA drafted and revised the manuscript. The authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Funding: No funding sources are available yet. Availability of data and materials The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding authors. Ethical approval and consent to participants The ethical review board of the College of Health Sciences at Bahir Dar University approved this study. No. 3189 bdu.edu.net for ethical approval). Certify that the study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Consent for publication: not applicable Competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Acknowledgements The authors are grateful to the data collectors, City administrators, shopkeepers, and all study participants for their contributions to the study's success. References Hawkes C, Organization WH. Nutrition labels and health claims: the global regulatory environment. World Health Organization; 2004. Organization WH. Managing pesticides in agriculture and public health: a compendium of FAO and WHO guidelines and other resources. World Health Organization; 2021. Raspor P, Jevšnik M, Ambrožič M. Food safety systems. Food Safety: Basic Concepts, Recent Issues, and Future Challenges. 2016:3–31. Organization WH. 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Buzgeia MH, Eldrogi FS, Almabsoot A, Nouh F, Elfagi S, Madi MF. Study of Consumer Awareness of Pre-packaged Food Products Labelling in Benghazi/Libya. Sch Acad J Biosci. 2023;12:434–41. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Submission checks completed at journal 02 Jan, 2024 Editor assigned by journal 02 Jan, 2024 First submitted to journal 30 Dec, 2023 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3823331","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":264689773,"identity":"0d116a21-f0ea-42fc-8156-bbf53692e841","order_by":0,"name":"Aemiro Adebabay","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bahir Dar University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Aemiro","middleName":"","lastName":"Adebabay","suffix":""},{"id":264689774,"identity":"9cbdc0a6-421d-465b-8d60-f3dbe7a72a76","order_by":1,"name":"Dr. Dereje Birhanu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bahir Dar University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"Dr.","firstName":"Dereje","middleName":"","lastName":"Birhanu","suffix":""},{"id":264689775,"identity":"506b675f-cc4c-4b37-9ca5-0fdfe4de8479","order_by":2,"name":"Genet Endalk","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bahir Dar University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Genet","middleName":"","lastName":"Endalk","suffix":""},{"id":264689776,"identity":"545024be-bc5c-4323-9916-eb2595c5b042","order_by":3,"name":"Ousman Adal","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA6UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFCCBMYDEAb/wwdAkoePCC0MUC08zAYgko0ULWwSIIqgFv725AcHPrbVRfPP7j1W+TXHToaNgfnhoxt4tEiceWZwcGbb4dwZd86l3Zbdlgx0GJuxcQ4+a24kGBzmbTuQ23Ajwey25DZmoBYeNml8WuRvpH8AaqnLnQ/UUiy5rZ6wFoMbOSBbmHM33MgxY/y47TBhLYZn3hQcnHHucO7GG2nJ0ozbjvOwMRPwi9zx9I0PPpTV5c67kXzw489t1fb87M0PH+P1PjJg5gGTxCoHAcYfpKgeBaNgFIyCEQMA0GhPmfrp4AoAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Bahir Dar University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ousman","middleName":"","lastName":"Adal","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2023-12-30 06:44:06","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3823331/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3823331/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":49143357,"identity":"7ea3caaf-4144-4704-9eb7-74e5f213f4f9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-03 18:51:33","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":10236,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eComponents of food label most participants likely to use, Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022G. (n=606)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Onlinedrawingimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3823331/v1/2549235c9267cc118bcc644b.png"},{"id":49143358,"identity":"953c4cd9-d20c-464a-bbf3-d7d95aec0438","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-03 18:51:33","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":4993,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eReading practice of nutritional labeling among supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n=606).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Onlinedrawingimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3823331/v1/e25f5d5dae4bd64561208c24.png"},{"id":49143941,"identity":"0c3d2510-98b6-407b-91ab-79bf5cbe80d4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-03 18:59:33","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":539739,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3823331/v1/61d1dab5-caa9-46a4-93b2-dc0a33755362.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eReading Practice of Nutrition Labeling and Associated Factors Among Packaged Food Consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eTo prevent confusion and safeguard consumers from microbial contamination, food labels play a crucial role in providing information about the composition and nature of food items (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). These labels serve as a means of communication, conveying information about packaged foods from the production stage to the end consumer (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Research indicates that the act of reading nutritional information on food labels significantly influences consumers' choices of food products and brands, promoting a culture of healthier food consumption (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Therefore, encouraging a wider adoption of nutrition labels for monitoring food and calorie intake is pivotal for making informed dietary decisions (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of processed and packaged foods is notable in high-income countries, and their consumption is rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries as well. In comparison to unprocessed foods, processed foods often contain higher levels of unfavorable nutrients, including added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and trans-fats (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Studies have highlighted the correlation between the rise in diet-related public health issues and diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases with the high consumption of packaged foods and inadequate practices in reading nutrition labels (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is crucial to carefully review and make use of the information provided on food labels when buying packaged foods (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). This is because these labels contain vital details about a product's characteristics, including its ingredients, source, expiration date, and recommended storage conditions (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). Unfortunately, a significant portion of individuals worldwide, spanning from 27.0 percent to 97.47 percent, are not accustomed to reading labels on packaged foods (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR10\" citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Moreover, consumers in African countries still face challenges in reading food labels on packaged products. Surveys conducted in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Libya revealed that 22.8\u0026ndash;75.3% of consumers exhibited low reading practices (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR12 CR13\" citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e). Studies conducted in Ethiopia indicate that the prevalence of poor reading practice ices of nutrition labels ranged from 53.3\u0026ndash;67.7% (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere exists a correlation between the consumption of packaged foods, the practice of reading food labels, and the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. The escalating annual rate of chronic diseases imposes a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system and results in the loss of valuable lives. Encouraging consumers to utilize nutrition fact labels while making food purchases is one approach to address unhealthy eating habits (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn recent years, the Ethiopian market has witnessed an influx of both imported and locally produced prepackaged foods (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e). The effectiveness of food labels in assisting consumers in making healthy food choices depends on the awareness and utilization of these labels by consumers (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). However, there is limited information available regarding the awareness and utilization of food labels on prepackaged foods among Ethiopian consumers. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the practice of reading nutrition labels and identify associated factors among consumers of packaged foods in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy area, design and period\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research was conducted in Bahir Dar city through a cross-sectional study design spanning from May to June 2022. Bahir Dar serves as the capital city of the Amhara regional state, situated in the northwest region of Ethiopia, approximately 565 km away from Addis Ababa, the country's capital. The city comprises six administrative sub-cities, namely Fasilo, Tana, Dagmawi Menelik, Belay Zeleke, Gisha Abay, and Ats Tewodros. Within these sub-cities, a total of 26 supermarkets were identified. As per estimates derived from the 2020–2021 census, the population of Bahir Dar was projected to be 344,964 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEligibility Criteria\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eInclusion Criteria\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study included all individuals aged 18 years and above who bought food items from supermarkets in Bahir Dar city.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eExclusion Criteria\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study excluded non-Ethiopian citizens, and Ethiopians who do not permanently reside in Bahir Dar city were also excluded.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSample size and techniques\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study's minimum required sample size was determined using the single population proportion formula, taking into account the following assumptions: The actual sample size was calculated using the formula where n is the sample size, zα/2 is the 95% confidence level, P is the proportion (44.7%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e), and d is the margin of error set at 5%. Considering a design effect of 1.5 and a 10% non-response rate, the final sample size was determined to be 627. For the second objective (factors), the authors utilized the Epi-info version 7 computer program with assumptions including a 95% confidence interval, 80% power, and the ratio of exposed to non-exposed (R) for various factors and parameters. However, the calculated sample size for the second objective was 594, which was less than the sample size derived from the first objective. Therefore, the larger sample size of 627 was adopted. The study employed a systematic random sampling technique to select participants, with the sample size proportionally allocated based on the randomly selected supermarkets for each study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eOperational Definition\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eGood reading practice\u003c/b\u003e: When consumers score the mean and above on the total of 10 reading practice assessment questions; otherwise, consider them to have poor reading practice (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eGood knowledge\u003c/b\u003e: Refers to consumers who score the mean and above on the total of 10 knowledge assessment questions; otherwise, consider them to have poor knowledge (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eConsumer\u003c/b\u003e: Refers to an individual who uses or consumes a packaged food product containing all the food label components (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Collection Procedures, Tools and data quality assurance\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA pre-tested structured questionnaire was utilized for data collection adapted from CDC (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e). Initially prepared in English, the questionnaire underwent translation into Amharic. To ensure translation consistency, the Amharic version was back-translated into English. Following pre-testing, the Amharic version questionnaire and the English version checklist were employed for data collection. Pre-testing took place at supermarkets not included in the study, involving 5% of the total sample size. The questionnaire covered aspects such as food label reading practices, socio-demographic details, health and work-related information, product and package-related inquiries, and knowledge on food label assessment. Data collection was carried out by eight trained data collectors, all holding BSc degrees in health or related fields, and supervised by the principal investigators. Following a one-day training session for the data collectors, face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect the data. Consent and willingness were obtained from each participant before administering the questionnaires. Data quality was ensured through the training of data collectors. After the pre-test, necessary corrections were made to the questionnaire. Regular monitoring occurred during data collection, with obtained questionnaires reviewed for completeness and accuracy both during the interviews and at the end of each day.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor statistical analysis and management, the collected data underwent cleaning, coding, and checking before being entered into EPI data version 3.1. Subsequently, the data were transferred to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive and analytic statistics were employed, calculating summary statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and percentages. Binary logistic regression models, utilizing both bivariate and multivariable analysis methods, were employed to assess associations between independent variables and the dependent variable. Variables with a p-value \u0026lt; 0.25 in bivariate analysis were candidates for multivariable analysis to control for confounders. A significance level of P \u0026lt; 0.05 was used to declare the presence of a statistically significant association, with the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) reported along with a 95% confidence interval (CI).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" type=\"Results\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Result","content":"\u003ch2\u003eSocio-Demographic Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study involved the participation of 606 supermarket consumers, yielding a response rate of 96.6%. Among them, 367 (60.6%) were females, and the respondents had a mean age of 35.9 ± 11.2 SD years. A total of 234 (38.6%) participants had a degree or higher education, and 313 (51.7%) were married. The respondents had a mean (± SD) family size of 5.21 (± 2.18), with over half of the participants (385 or 63.5%) having a family size of five or more \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocio-demographic and economic characteristics of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e239\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e367\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18–29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e217\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30–39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40–49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e≥ 50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducational status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElementary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e219\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiploma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDegree and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e234\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGovernmental employed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrivate employed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOwn business\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e298\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHousewives\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e313\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e220\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePartners education level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElementary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiploma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDegree and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReligion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrthodox\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e465\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtestant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncome\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 6000 ETB\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e342\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e≥ 6000 ETB\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e264\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber of children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e149\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1–2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3–4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e245\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e≥ 5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFamily size\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e221\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e≥ 5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e385\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHealth and Work Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA majority of participants, 554 (91.4%), did not undergo regular health checkups within a year, and 115 (19.0%) had a documented chronic health condition. Among the reported chronic health issues, 43 (7.1%) participants mentioned hypertension. The majority of participants, 586 (96.7%), were non-smokers, and 379 (62.5%) did not have a habit of consuming alcohol. A total of 107 (17.7%) participants engaged in regular physical exercise, while 25 (4.1%) reported a habit of chewing chat \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth and work condition related characteristics of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowledge of nutrition question\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResponse\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFamiliar with the term \"nutrition labeling’\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e494\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e112\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNutrition label is such important tool to improve our diet.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e591\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExpire date \u0026amp; manufacture date mostly labeled in Gregorian calendar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e491\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot knowing nutrition label leads to potential health problem.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e597\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNutrition information is important to choose healthy diet.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e588\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNutrition information can help to sustain or lose or gain weight?\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e591\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNutrition information enables not to consume high amount of fat, sugar and cholesterol.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e587\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh amount of saturated fat contents in food products are related to health problem.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e593\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKilocalorie is the unit measurement of energy from diet.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e337\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e269\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFatty foods provide the highest amount of energy compared to other food stuffs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e527\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood knowledge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e375\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor knowledge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e231\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKnowledge of Food and Nutritional Label on Packed Foods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowledge on food label of packed foods of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegularly health status checking\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e554\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnown chronic disease health problem\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e491\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of chronic disease health problem\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiabetes mellitus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHypertension\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCardiovascular disease\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsthma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHyperlipidemia\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCancer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor whom food product purchased\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFather\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHusband\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChildren\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrother\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSister\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eServant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnough shopping time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e419\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e187\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking in food establishments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e591\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDrinking Alcohol\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e227\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e379\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCigarette smoking\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e586\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChewing chat\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e581\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDoing regular exercise\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e499\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProduct and Package Related Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the 606 participants, 565 (93.2%) encountered scientific terms when reading nutritional labels, and 568 (93.7%) encountered unfamiliar language. The findings reveal that 541 (89.3%) participants faced challenges with smaller font size, and 573 (94.6%) noted a lack of a labeled guideline. A significant portion, 551 (90.9%) of participants, believed that the purchased food product is healthy or safe, and 577 (95.2%) were familiar with the product (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProduct and package related characteristics of supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFace scientific words\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e565\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFace unfamiliar language\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e568\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFace small font size\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e541\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFace lack of labeled guideline\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e573\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBelieve that the purchased food product is healthy/safe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e551\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFamiliarity of the purchased product\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e577\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe use of various components of Food Labels among Participants Utilization\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to the respondents, the frequently mentioned elements on food labels were the expiration date (93.9% reported) and manufacture date (83.8% reported), while the least frequently noted were batch/lot identification (22.6% reported) and the ingredient list (44.6% reported) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eReading Practice of Food or Nutrition Label on Packed Foods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e Participants were requested to enumerate the factors they typically inspect before buying packaged food. The average reading practice was 6.13 (± 2.00 SD). Individuals scoring below the mean were classified as having poor reading practice. The results reveal that 58.9% (CI: 54.9%, 62.9%) of participants exhibited inadequate reading practices regarding nutrition labels on packaged foods (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFactors Associated with Reading Practice of Food Labeling\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUpon adjusting for potential confounding variables through multivariable analysis, it was revealed that factors associated with poor reading practices of nutritional labels include age 18–29 (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.80), elementary education (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.52), being single (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.00), having no health problems (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.64), not working in food establishments (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 11.0), and possessing poor nutritional knowledge (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.50) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactors associated with reading practice of nutritional labeling among supermarket consumers of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 606).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReading practice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood`\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18–29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e112\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.51(0.91, 2.51)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.47 (1.23–3.80)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003cb\u003e*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30–39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90(0.53. 1.52)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.69 (0.36, 1.31)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40–49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.99(0.56. 1.74)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.80 (0.42, 1.52)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e≥ 50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLevel of education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElementary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59(0.40, 0.86)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.29 (1.16,1.52)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 0.01 \u003cb\u003e*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49(0.30, 0.80)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.43 (1.25, 2.73)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiploma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.72(0.39, 1.33)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.65 (1.34, 2.26)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDegree and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e191\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.28(0.90, 1.81)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.58 (1.33, 2.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04 \u003cb\u003e*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeparated\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.97(0.57, 1.64)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.72(1.36, 2.41)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAny chronic disease health problem\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e281\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.68(0.45. 1.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.48(1.04, 2.64)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04 \u003cb\u003e*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking in food establishments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e351\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e240\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.19(0.77, 6.24)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.44(1.06, 11.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03 \u003cb\u003e*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowledge status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e256\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.76(1.97, 3.88)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.34(1.24, 2.50)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 0.01 \u003cb\u003e*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of poor reading practice of nutrition labels on packaged food among consumers in Bahir Dar city was 58.9%. This result aligns with a study conducted in Addis Ababa, where the prevalence was reported as 55.3%. However, it is lower than estimates from studies in the UK (83%)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e), Iran (77.7%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e), and China (70.0%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e), which all indicated higher rates of poor nutrition label use. Conversely, this findings are higher than studies Ghana (18.1%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e), Botswana (22.8%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e), India (23.5%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e), Turkey (27.7%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e), and a different study in Addis Ababa (33%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). These variations may be attributed to differences in the market system, educational levels, and globalization.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding predictive factors, participants aged 18\u0026minus;29 were found to be more prone to poor reading practices of nutritional labels compared to those aged 50 and above. This finding is consistent with studies in Ghana (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e) and China (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e), which suggested that older adults tend to use nutrition information to guide their food choices during purchasing, possibly due to greater nutritional awareness or health concerns. Additionally, older individuals may have fewer time constraints during shopping.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, participants with only elementary education were more likely to exhibit poor reading practices of food labels compared to those with a college degree and above, suggesting that education level influences label reading and implies a lack of education as a barrier. Similar findings are reported in Addis Ababa, Lesotho, and Ghana, indicating that individuals with advanced college education exhibit higher reading practices. This is attributed to consumers with higher education levels finding food labels easier to read and understand than those with lower education levels (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnmarried individuals exhibited a higher susceptibility to poor reading practices compared to their married counterparts, aligning with findings from a study in Addis Ababa (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). This trend may be attributed to the fact that single individuals are more likely to rely on a singular source of income for household finances and may pay less attention to meal preparation, potentially leading them to visit supermarkets less frequently. Additionally, married individuals tend to be more mindful of what they cook and consume, given their responsibility for the entire family, not just themselves (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants who did not report a chronic disease health problem were more prone to poor reading practices of nutritional labels compared to those with chronic health issues. A plausible explanation for this observation is that healthy eating habits positively influence the attention given to nutritional labels. Individuals in good health may be less concerned about the health risks associated with consuming packaged foods and may not prioritize reading the labels compared to those with health problems. This finding is consistent with previous research, indicating that individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are more likely to use nutritional labels compared to those without such health issues (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn comparison to participants who were employed in food outlets, those who were not employed were more likely to be at risk for poor reading practices of nutritional labels, aligning with findings from a previous study in Nanjing, China (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e). This tendency may be attributed to the fact that working in food establishments tends to enhance nutritional awareness and, consequently, dietary practices (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study also revealed a significant association between participants' nutritional knowledge and their reading practices. Individuals with poor knowledge were more likely to exhibit poor reading practices compared to those with good knowledge (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e). This observation aligns with findings from other studies indicating that consumers with knowledge about diet and health are more likely to engage in nutrition label reading (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e). This relationship suggests that possessing good nutritional knowledge is a prerequisite for effective reading practices.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study revealed that the practice of reading nutritional labels among consumers in Bahir Dar city was lower when compared to previous studies conducted in Addis Ababa. Age, educational status, marital status, the presence of health problems, workplace, and knowledge of nutritional labeling were identified as predictors of food label reading practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eImplications and Recommendations:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn summary, this study underscores the necessity for enhancing nutrition education in Bahir Dar city. The regional health bureau should actively participate in public educational campaigns emphasizing the significance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy diet. For a sustained impact, the Ministry of Education should integrate nutrition education into the curriculum, starting from the early stages of education through secondary education. Additionally, policymakers should take the initiative to standardize a food label format that incorporates simplified information, legible typefaces, and understandable words and symbols. Supermarket owners are encouraged to consistently provide consumer-friendly usage guidelines.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.553990610328638%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCVD:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"85.44600938967136%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCardio Vascular Disease\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.553990610328638%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDALYs:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"85.44600938967136%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDisability-Adjusted Life-Years\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.553990610328638%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFDA:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"85.44600938967136%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFood and Drug Administration\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.553990610328638%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNCDs:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"85.44600938967136%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNon-Communicable Diseases\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.553990610328638%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSPSS:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"85.44600938967136%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStatistical Package for Social Sciences\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo;\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003econtribution\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAA and GE\u003c/strong\u003e developed the proposal, analyzed the data, and wrote and interpreted the results.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr. DB\u003c/strong\u003e as well as OA drafted the manuscript, revised the proposal, checked the data, and revised the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOA\u003c/strong\u003e drafted and revised the manuscript. The authors have read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eNo funding sources are available yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding authors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval and consent to participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ethical review board of the College of Health Sciences at Bahir Dar University approved this study. No. 3189 bdu.edu.net for ethical approval). Certify that the study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003enot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors are grateful to the data collectors, City administrators, shopkeepers, and all study participants for their contributions to the study\u0026apos;s success.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHawkes C, Organization WH. Nutrition labels and health claims: the global regulatory environment. World Health Organization; 2004.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganization WH. Managing pesticides in agriculture and public health: a compendium of FAO and WHO guidelines and other resources. World Health Organization; 2021.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRaspor P, Jevšnik M, Ambrožič M. Food safety systems. Food Safety: Basic Concepts, Recent Issues, and Future Challenges. 2016:3\u0026ndash;31.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganization WH. Safety and quality of water used in food production and processing: meeting report. 2019.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganization WH. Joint FAO/WHO expert meeting in collaboration with OIE on foodborne antimicrobial resistance: role of the environment, crops and biocides: meeting report. Food \u0026amp; Agriculture Org; 2019.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrzyrembel H. 1.4. 3 Food Safety. Pediatr Nutr Pract. 2022;124:94\u0026ndash;100.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNimoh F, Opoku-Agyeman G, Frimpong AA. Consumers\u0026rsquo; Awareness, Perception and Interest in Labelling of Processed Foods in Ghana: A Case of \u0026lsquo;Sobolo\u0026rsquo;. Appl Stud Agribusiness Commer. 2021;15:3\u0026ndash;4.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTadesse L, Hayder J, Negesse A, Kefale H. Awareness and practice of reading packed food labels and its associated factors among consumers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. EC Nutr. 2019;14(4):377\u0026ndash;85.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKonlan MY, Konka P, Appiah BO, Danso FK, Abubakari BB, Abiwu HAK. Consumer understanding and use of food labels in Ghana: A review of the evidence. World Nutr. 2023;14(1):16\u0026ndash;21.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDanilola ST, Omotesho OA, Animashaun J. Consumer awareness of the use of food labels in Lagos state, Nigeria. Int J Food Stud. 2019;8(2).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlshukri A, Elramli S, Albkoush H. Study of knowledge, attitude and awareness of the information of food labeling among consumers in Tripoli municipality Libya. IJRAR-International J Res Anal Reviews. 2020;7(2):32\u0026ndash;42.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAryee P, Helegbe G, Agordoh P, Mohammed A, Muntala J, Koblaji F, et al. Exploring consumer knowledge, understanding and use of food and nutrition label information in the tamale metropolis of Ghana. Afr J Food Agric Nutr Dev. 2019;19(2):14415\u0026ndash;31.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOghojafor B, Ladipo P, Nwagwu KO. An empirical determination of consumers\u0026rsquo; reaction to nutritional labeling of prepackaged food products in Lagos, Nigeria. 2012.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChopera P, Chagwena D, Mushonga N. Food label reading and understanding in parts of rural and urban Zimbabwe. Afr Health Sci. 2014;14(3):576\u0026ndash;84.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKokobe T, Marew T, Fenta TG. Compliance of Pre-Packed Juice to Labelling Requirements and Use of Food Labelling Information for Purchasing Decision Among Consumers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiop Pharm J. 2021;37(1):65\u0026ndash;76.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLegesse A, Muluken A, Getasew A. A survey on awareness of consumers about health problems of food additives in packaged foods and their attitude toward consumption of packaged foods: A case study at Jimma University. Int food Res J. 2016;23(1):375.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWahab RA. Food label use and awareness of nutritional information among consumers in Bahrain: an exploratory study. KnE Life Sciences. 2018:26\u0026ndash;36.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeyisa E, Wondimu R, Kaba Z. Knowledge, reading practice and associated factors of nutrition labeling on packaged food among consumers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. JFNS. 2021;9:48\u0026ndash;56.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eControl CfD. Prevention. BRFSS Questionnaire. 2019. 2019.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCampos S, Doxey J, Hammond D. Nutrition labels on pre-packaged foods: a systematic review. Public Health Nutr. 2011;14(8):1496\u0026ndash;506.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeyedhamzeh S, Nedjat S, Shakibazadeh E, Doustmohammadian A, Hosseini H, Dorosty Motlagh A. Nutrition labels\u0026rsquo; strengths \u0026amp; weaknesses and strategies for improving their use in Iran: A qualitative study. PLoS ONE. 2020;15(10):e0241395.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMa J, Zhu Z, Chen X, Guo Y, Zhang H, Zhang Y, et al. A cross-sectional survey of nutrition labelling use and its associated factors on parents of school students in Shanghai, China. Public Health Nutr. 2018;21(8):1418\u0026ndash;25.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMmopelwa M. The evaluation of food labels and students' interpretation and use of food labels. University of the Free State; 2012.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSaha S, Vemula SR, Mendu VVR, Gavaravarapu SM. Knowledge and practices of using food label information among adolescents attending schools in Kolkata, India. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2013;45(6):773\u0026ndash;9.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGezmen-Karadağ M, T\u0026uuml;rk\u0026ouml;z\u0026uuml; D. Consumers\u0026rsquo; opinions and use of food labels, nutrition, and health claims: results from Turkey. J food Prod Mark. 2018;24(3):280\u0026ndash;96.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuzgeia MH, Eldrogi FS, Almabsoot A, Nouh F, Elfagi S, Madi MF. Study of Consumer Awareness of Pre-packaged Food Products Labelling in Benghazi/Libya. Sch Acad J Biosci. 2023;12:434\u0026ndash;41.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"nutrition-journal","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nutj","sideBox":"Learn more about [Nutrition Journal](http://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"12937","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12937/3","title":"Nutrition Journal","twitterHandle":"@NutrJournal","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Reading practice, nutrition labelling, packaged food, consumer","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3823331/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3823331/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eIntroduction\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e: The consumption of processed and packaged foods is on the rise in cities like Bahir Dar. Despite this trend, little is known about the extent to which people in the area read nutritional labels on packaged foods.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eObjective\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study aims to evaluate the consumer reading practices of nutritional labeling and identify associated factors among consumers of packaged foods.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was carried out on a randomly selected sample of 606 individuals purchasing packaged foods in Bahir Dar city from May 27 to June 27, 2022. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study participants, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Data was interred into Epi data version 3.1 and analysis using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression models, utilizing both bivariate and multivariable analysis methods, and declared significant at P-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 with AOR 95% of CI.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study revealed that 58.9% (CI: 54.9%\u0026minus;62.9%) of participants exhibited poor reading practices of nutrition labels on packaged foods. Factors associated with poor reading practices included age 18\u0026minus;29 (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.47, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.80), elementary education (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.29, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.52), being single (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.58, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.00), absence of health problems (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.48, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.64), not working in food establishments (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 11.0), and poor nutritional knowledge (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.34, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.50).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study indicates a lower level of nutritional label reading practice in Bahir Dar city compared to previous studies in Addis Ababa. Therefore, collaborative efforts involving the regional health bureau and other stakeholders are recommended to enhance nutrition education.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Reading Practice of Nutrition Labeling and Associated Factors Among Packaged Food Consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-01-03 18:51:28","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3823331/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2024-01-02T05:50:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-01-02T05:50:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Nutrition Journal","date":"2023-12-30T06:29:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"nutrition-journal","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nutj","sideBox":"Learn more about [Nutrition Journal](http://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"12937","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12937/3","title":"Nutrition Journal","twitterHandle":"@NutrJournal","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"004cbdc6-495d-4b75-bdd8-f7b52061fec9","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 3rd, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-01-03T18:51:28+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-01-03 18:51:28","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3823331","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3823331","identity":"rs-3823331","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}