This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of 280 University students towards nutrition labels. The purpose of the study was to examine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of university students regarding nutrition labeling, and whether body mass index (BMI) with nutrition labeling was associated with knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Descriptive statistics analyzed knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of university students regarding food labeling. The ANOVA and χ2 analysis was evaluated and assessed for its relationship with BMI. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis examined relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. More than 90 percent of answers relating to 11 nutritional knowledge questions were correct. Only 30% of participants answered correctly regarding questions about plan source oil and cholesterol content. Attitudes and behaviors of nutrition labels were significantly higher among participants who were obese (p<0.001). Knowledge score was positively correlated with general label usage behavior (r=.169, p<0.01), and item buying behavior (r=0.142, p<0.05). Attitude also was positively correlated with behavior (p<0.01). Nutrition labeling education efforts are needed to provide university students with a nutritional education program and information on how to read nutritional labels and apply this information to their lives. University students need to understand their need for numerous nutrients instead of merely focusing on the fat and calories of foods.

• 최정화(숭의여자대학교 식품영양과) | Jung-Hwa Choi
• 이나영(대전대학교 식품영양학과) | Na-Young Yi Corresponding author