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Journals / Kafkas Journal of Medical Sciences / 2026 / Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1

Determination of Perceived Food Literacy Levels in Adult Individuals

Nevra Karaca Bıçakçı(Kafkas University Faculty Of Health Sciences Nursing Department Public Health Department Kars Turkey)
Güven Soner(Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty Of Health Sciences, Department Of Nursing, Public Health Nursing Division, Samsun, Turkey)
Ayşe Çalmaz(Hitit University İskilip Vocational School Çorum Turkey)
Rukiye Türk Delibalta(Kafkas University Faculty Of Health Sciences Nursing Department Of Obstetrics And Gynecology Kars Turkey)
Selen Arya Avanaş(Faik Fikriye Torunoğulları Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi Sağlık Bölümü, Kars, Türkiye)
Pages
62–67
Publication Date
2026-03-19
DOI
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Considering that efforts to improve conscious food literacy, which significantly impacts healthy eating, were limited to a single region and relied on self-reported data, future studies should include diverse populations and investigate how contextual factors such as age, occupation, and regional culture influence food literacy.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Aim: This study was conducted as cross-sectional research to assess adults’ perceived food literacy levels.
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Key Findings & Data:The study population consisted of adults aged 18 and older.
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Conclusion & Impact:Considering that efforts to improve conscious food literacy, which significantly impacts healthy eating, were limited to a single region and relied on self-reported data, future studies should include diverse populations and investigate how contextual factors such as age, occupation, and regional culture influence food literacy.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Food · Healthy nutrition · Adult food literacy

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted as cross-sectional research to assess adults’ perceived food literacy levels. Materials and methods: This research was conducted as a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of adults aged 18 and older. The unknown population sampling method was used in the research. In calculating the sample size, a 95% confidence level, a probability of p=0.50, and a margin of error of d=0.05 were used as the basis, and, according to this formula, the minimum sample size was determined to be 385 individuals. The study was completed with the participation of 814 volunteers via an online platform. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.78±10.74 years, ranging from 18 to 68 years. Among the participants, 72.4% were women, and 87.2% were university graduates. The mean total score on the Perceived Food Literacy Scale (PFLS) was 89.66±7.49. When the mean PFLS scores were compared across participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, it was determined that women had higher scores than men, single participants had higher scores than married participants, and those without any substance dependence, such as smoking or alcohol, had higher scores than those with substance dependence. The differences between these groups were statistically significant (p <0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that adults possess moderateto- good food literacy, yet gaps remain in label reading and meal planning. Considering that efforts to improve conscious food literacy, which significantly impacts healthy eating, were limited to a single region and relied on self-reported data, future studies should include diverse populations and investigate how contextual factors such as age, occupation, and regional culture influence food literacy.

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Cite This Article

Bıçakçı, N. K., Soner, G., Çalmaz, A., Delibalta, R. T., Avanaş, S. A. (2026). Determination of Perceived Food Literacy Levels in Adult Individuals. Kafkas Journal of Medical Sciences, Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1, 62–67. https://ajindex.com/articles/1631488

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