Correlates of Reported Use and Perceived Helpfulness of Calorie Information in Restaurants Among U.S. Adults

Abstract

Purpose:

This study reports correlates in reported use and helpfulness of calorie information, when available, in restaurants on a national scale in the United States for demographic behavioral and health-related conditions.

Design:

This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2013 National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey data.

Setting:

United States.

Subjects:

Adults (n = 3407).

Measures:

Menu labeling use and helpfulness; behavior change attempts; reported fruit, vegetable, and soda consumption; weight status; and chronic health conditions.

Analysis:

Trends were identified in weighted logistic and linear regression models.

Results:

U.S. adults who intended to lose weight (odds ratio [OR] = 5.01 [95% confidence interval 2.96, 8.46]), increase fruit (OR = 1.10 [.66, 1.84]) or vegetable consumption (OR = 2.25 [1.32, 3.83]), or reduce soda consumption (OR = 1.67 [1.11, 2.51]) were more likely to report using menu-labeling information when available. More women reported calorie information was helpful when ordering (p < .05). Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status disparities were identified in use (non-Hispanic [NH] blacks vs. NH whites OR = .43 [.25, .74]) and helpfulness (NH blacks vs. NH whites β = –.06 [–.44, .32]).

Conclusion:

Findings highlight potential subgroups to target for communication and education efforts regarding use of calorie information in restaurants. Following publication of final rules for federal menu-labeling legislation and implementation, further surveillance of public response to this information may inform message framing and educational interventions to promote use of calorie information on menu boards.

Keywords

diet policy behavior change disparities menu labeling prevention research

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