KNOWLEDGE AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE FOOD LABEL AMONG WOMEN WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

Women on restricted diets are reportedly among the most frequent rende rs of nutrition information on food labels. However, the specific labe l information that women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) comprehend and use has not been determined The purpose of this study was to explore the attitude toward, use, and knowledge of infor mation on the food label among rural women with NIDDM age 40 to 60 yea rs. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted Participants r eported that they referred to the nutrition information On the label w hen grocery shopping and preferred the newly revised format. Yet, comp rehension of the terms and percentages on the label was poor (eg, the majority of participants could not explain the difference between tota l carbohydrate and sugars). Misconceptions also were noted about nutri ents listed on the label and the percent daily value. Further educatio n is needed to help people with NIDDM understand and apply the nutriti on information on food labels to meet their individual needs.