Browsing by Author "Pacific Renatha M."

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    Awareness, barriers and facilitators on the use of food labels among adult consumers in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
    (NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH, 2026) Wazoel Ester Erasto; Pacific Renatha M.; Mwanri Akwilina Wendelin
    Background: Food labeling is a fundamental educational tool for advocating for public awareness. When properly used, food labels serve as an essential public health tool that help consumers understand the nutrition value of food, storage conditions, compare products and make informed food choices. This study aimed to assess the awareness, use, barriers and motivators regarding prepackage food label among adults’ consumers in Morogoro Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2025, among 310 adults aged 18+ years. Data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire that covered awareness, attitude, barriers and facilitators that influence the use of label on prepackaged foods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic analysis. Results: Out of 310 respondents, about 76% were female;37% were of age between 31-50 years. Awareness of food labels was high (73.5%) of which 50% read the labels consistently. Increased age was negatively associated with reading food labels [AOR 0.96, 95% CI [0.94, 0.98]), while having secondary (AOR 3.09, 95% CI [1.1, 8.71]) or university education (AOR 4.5, 95% CI [1.42, 14.3]) significantly increased the likelihood of reading food labels. Barriers were language used (60%), time constraints (51%), information overload (46%), complexity (47%) and distrust on labels (37%). Health and dietary goals (23.5%) were the main facilitators for food label use. Conclusion: Despite high awareness, consistent food label use was moderate. Barriers such as language, complexity, time constraints, information overload and lack of trust on food labels hinder usage, while health goals encourage engagement. The ministry of Trade and Industry should ensure compliance of label requirements in respect of the language. Target public education is essential to improve consumer understanding and use of food labels.