Authors

  1. Kuczmarski, Marie Fanelli PhD, RD, LDN
  2. Beydoun, May A. PhD, MPH
  3. Cotugna, Nancy DrPH, RD, LDN
  4. Daniels, Loran MS
  5. Mason, Marc A. MS
  6. Zonderman, Alan B. PhD
  7. Evans, Michele K. MD

Abstract

Literacy influences dietary outcomes, such as food label comprehension and portion size estimation skills. This study evaluated the relationship of literacy and diet quality among Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study participants. Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span is a prospective study of socioeconomically diverse urban African Americans and whites. Diet quality was measured by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 on the basis of 2 recalls, and literacy, the Wide Range Achievement Test-3rd edition reading scores. An independent and synergistic association of literacy and education with diet quality was found, emphasizing the need to consider both variables when counseling clients about nutrition.