Zenobia Talati1, Simone Pettigrew2, Sarah Moore3, Iain S Pratt2,3. 1. School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. Email: zenobia.talati@curtin.edu.au; talati.zenobia@gmail.com. 2. School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 3. Cancer Council Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored attitudes toward two food guides currently being widely used in Australia: the Healthy Eating Pyramid and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Plate. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Ten focus groups were conducted with adults (aged 18+ years) and children (aged 10-17 years) across various locations in Perth, Western Australia. The discussions focused on liked and disliked aspects of each food guide and the implications for participants' perceptions of their relative usefulness. RESULTS: When asked to state their preference, a large majority of participants nominated the plate as their preferred nutrition guide. The style of presentation used for the plate was reportedly clearer and more aesthetically pleasing. The plate was also perceived to be more complex while the pyramid was considered by adults to be more child-friendly. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides information on consumers' reactions to different food guides and the implications for perceived relevance and utility.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored attitudes toward two food guides currently being widely used in Australia: the Healthy Eating Pyramid and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Plate. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Ten focus groups were conducted with adults (aged 18+ years) and children (aged 10-17 years) across various locations in Perth, Western Australia. The discussions focused on liked and disliked aspects of each food guide and the implications for participants' perceptions of their relative usefulness. RESULTS: When asked to state their preference, a large majority of participants nominated the plate as their preferred nutrition guide. The style of presentation used for the plate was reportedly clearer and more aesthetically pleasing. The plate was also perceived to be more complex while the pyramid was considered by adults to be more child-friendly. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides information on consumers' reactions to different food guides and the implications for perceived relevance and utility.
Authors: Maria Luisa Scapellato; Vera Comiati; Alessandra Buja; Giulia Buttignol; Romina Valentini; Valentina Burati; Lucia La Serra; Isabella Maccà; Paola Mason; Pasquale Scopa; Anna Volpin; Andrea Trevisan; Paolo Spinella Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-09-19 Impact factor: 3.390