Olaf Montes de Oca-Juárez, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
Julio M. Fernández-Villa, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
Mariana González-Lara, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nueva Escocia, Canadá
Carmen García-Peña, Dirección General, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Ciudad de México, México
Background: Front package warning labeling (FWL) was implemented in Mexico in 2020 as part of a strategy to raise foodrelated knowledge. However, limited media coverage, a lack of awareness among health professionals, and the usage of technical terminology appear to be impediments affecting many groups of the population, particularly older persons. Objective: Analyze the profile of nutritional label use and understanding among older persons considering different factors that might have an effect on it. Material and methods: The use and knowledge of FWL were assessed using a representative sample of 1884 older individuals from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Logistic regression was used to determine the association of knowing or using FWL, adjusted by age, sex, able to read, educational level, living with diabetes, hypertension, and social security status. Results: The probability of reading and using the FWL was influenced by lower age, being female, higher education level and having social security. There was no discernible effect of living with diabetes or hypertension. Conclusions: Nutritional education tailored to the circumstances of older persons in Mexico is timely.
Keywords: Ultra processed food. Food warning label. Older persons.