At A Glance
Noteworthy Characteristics
- Contains extensive data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition and labeling issues.
Website
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch/ConsumerBehaviorResearch/default.htm
Purpose
To collect data about knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to various current and emerging nutrition and labeling issues among consumers in the United States (U.S.).
Target Population
Civilian, noninstitutionalized adults ages 18 years and older in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Conducted
Began in 1982. Conducted periodically. Most recent year conducted was 2014.
Sponsor
Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Special Note(s)
See Also: 2014 Health and Diet Survey: Topline Frequency Report
System Contact:
Dr. Serena Lo,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
E-mail: Serena.Lo@fda.hhs.gov
Sampling
Sample Design
Cross-sectional survey.
Single-stage, randomized design. Learn more.
Sample Size
Approximately 2,480 adults in 2014.
Key Variables
Demographic
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Age (respondent only) | Interview/questionnaire |
| Household income | Interview/questionnaire |
| Number of children in household | Interview/questionnaire |
| Race/ethnicity | Interview/questionnaire |
| Sex (respondent only) | Interview/questionnaire |
Diet-Related
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Awareness of the relationship between diet (including specific dietary components such as trans fats) and specific diseases (e.g., cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure) | Interview/questionnaire |
| Beliefs about dietary supplements and their labels | Interview/questionnaire |
| Degree to which respondent makes household grocery purchasing decisions | Interview/questionnaire |
| Frequency of dietary supplement use | Interview/questionnaire |
| How often each respondent eats breakfast, lunch, and dinner each week and the number of these meals prepared at home | Interview/questionnaire |
| Knowledge of fats and cholesterol | Interview/questionnaire |
| Knowledge of dietary deficiencies | Interview/questionnaire |
| Substitution of dietary supplements for prescription or over-the-counter drugs | Interview/questionnaire |
| Tracking of consumption of dietary components (e.g., fat, specific nutrients) and methods for tracking | Interview/questionnaire |
| Use of food labels (including specific label content such as ingredient list or calorie information) | Interview/questionnaire |
| Use of various information sources on dietary supplements | Interview/questionnaire |
Physical Activity-Related
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Frequency and length of moderate or vigorous physical activity | Interview/questionnaire |
Sleep-Related
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Sleep-related substance use: Caffeine | Interview/Questionnaire (telephone survey) |
Weight-Related
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Doctor’s advice to lose weight | Interview/questionnaire |
| Height and weight (respondent only) | Self-report |
| Perception of their weight (respondent only) | Interview/questionnaire |
| Weight loss attempts in past year | Interview/questionnaire |
Geocode/Linkage
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Census region |
Other
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Adverse experiences with dietary supplements | Interview/questionnaire |
Data Access and Cost
Data Availability
Obtain data through special agreement. Contact Dr. Serena Lo, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Regulation, Policy and Social Sciences, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835.
Cost
Free of charge.
Special Note(s)
The most recent year for which data are available is not necessarily the most recent year this survey was conducted.
Geocode/Linkage
Geocode Variable(s)
Census region. (Additional variables available upon request.)
Existing Linkages
None found.
Selected Publications
Diet-Related
Derby BM, Fein SB. Meeting the NLEA education challenge: A consumer research perspective. In: Shapiro R, ed. Nutrition labeling handbook. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1995, 315-352.
Levy AS, Stephenson M. Nutrition knowledge levels about dietary fats and cholesterol: 1983-88. Journal of Nutrition Education 1993;25:60-66.
Lin CT, Yen ST. Knowledge of dietary fats among U.S. consumers. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2010;110(4):613-618.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Survey shows gains in food-label use, health/diet awareness.
