Awareness and Use Of Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Despite wide spread use among practitioners, little is known about the awareness and use of Canada’s Food Guide (FG). The purpose of this study was to report on general and specific awareness of the FG and to determine if demographic characteristics predict FG awareness.

Methods: Adult respondents (>18 years) from randomly selected households in Alberta, Canada completed a telephone survey. Two questions pertaining to FG awareness were included.

Results: Responses were received from 1,210 Albertans (50.2% Female). Of those responding, 86.5% indicated they were aware of the FG when prompted. Among those reporting being aware, 82.2% reported being aware of specific FG recommendations when prompted. Awareness of the FG was more likely among females (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.7– 6.1), those with higher education (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.8 – 9.5) and higher income (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 – 2.4).

Discussion: The majority of the population reported being aware of the FG when prompted. Independent predictors of FG awareness included sex, education and income. These results may inform healthy eating promotion among practitioners.