Association between the diagnosis of diet-related non-communicable diseases and the use of nutritional labeling among Mexican, Mexican American, and non-Mexican American adults
A cross-sectional study from the International Food Policy Study 2021–2022
Bibliographic Data
Diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are major global health concerns. Front-of-package warning labels (WLs) and nutrition facts labels (NFLs) aim to promote healthier food choices, yet their use among individuals with NCDs and across populations remains underexplored. This study uniquely compares two labeling systems (WL and NFL) and examines the association between NCD diagnosis and label use among Mexican, Mexican American, and non-Mexican American adults. Cross-sectional data from the 2021–2022 International Food Policy Study were analyzed. Self-reported WL and NFL use and NCD diagnoses (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer) were examined using multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related confounders. Among 23,951 adults, NFL use was highest among non-Mexican Americans (80.1%) and lowest among Mexicans (69.8%, p < 0.01). NFL use was significantly associated with diabetes and multiple NCDs in non-Mexican Americans. Specifically, non-Mexican Americans diagnosed with diabetes were 68% more likely to use the NFL (AOR 1.68, 99% CI: 1.26–2.24) compared to those without an NCD diagnosis. Furthermore, non-Mexican Americans with 3 or more NCDs were 48% more likely to use the NFL (AOR 1.48, 99% CI: 1.07–2.06). In Mexico, WL use (77.4%) exceeded NFL use (69.8%). Mexicans with high cholesterol were more likely to perceive the “Excess Sodium” label as the most useful (AOR 1.89, 99% CI: 1.15–3.12), while those with diabetes found the “Excess Sugar” label particularly helpful (AOR 1.65, 99% CI: 1.07–2.54). Labeling use varied across populations and NCD status. These findings highlight the potential of interpretive front-of-package labels to support informed food choices, particularly among individuals with NCDs, and to strengthen public health strategies that promote healthier dietary behaviors
Association (psychology · Biostatistics · Diabetes mellitus · Ethnic group · Logistic regression · Multivariate analysis · Public health · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · Nutrition, Genetics, and Disease · Epidemiology
| Citation velocity | historical |
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| Highly cited | No |