Title

Environmental and individual factors affecting menu labeling utilization: a qualitative research study

Authors

Jennifer M. Schindler-Ruwisch, Fairfield UniversityFollow
Kamila Kiszko
Courtney Abrams
Nadia Islam
Brian Elbel

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

Obesity is a prominent public health concern that disproportionally affects low-income and minority populations. Recent policies mandating the posting of calories on menus in fast-food chain restaurants have not proven to uniformly influence food choice. This qualitative research study used focus groups to study individual and environmental factors affecting the use of these menu labels among low-income minority populations. Ten focus groups targeting low-income residents (n=105) were held at various community organizations throughout New York City over a 9-month period in 2011. The focus groups were conducted in Spanish, English, or a combination of both languages. In late 2011 and early 2012, transcripts were coded through the process of thematic analysis using Atlas.ti for naturally emerging themes, influences, and determinants of food choice. Few participants used menu labels, despite awareness. The most frequently cited as barriers to menu label use included: price and time constraints, confusion and lack of understanding about caloric values, as well as the priority of preference, hunger, and habitual ordering habits. Based on the individual and external influences on food choice that often take priority over calorie consideration, a modified approach may be necessary to make menu labels more effective and user-friendly.

Comments

Copyright 2013 Elsevier

A link to full text has been provided for authorized users.

Publication Title

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Repository Citation

Schindler-Ruwisch, Jennifer M.; Kiszko, Kamila; Abrams, Courtney; Islam, Nadia; and Elbel, Brian, "Environmental and individual factors affecting menu labeling utilization: a qualitative research study" (2013). Nursing and Health Studies Faculty Publications. 193.
https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/nursing-facultypubs/193

Published Citation

Schindler, J., Kiszko, K., Abrams, C., Islam, N., & Elbel, B. (2013). Environmental and individual factors affecting menu labeling utilization: a qualitative research study. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 113(5), 667-672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2012.11.011.

DOI

10.1016/j.jand.2012.11.011

Peer Reviewed