Health literacy and food consumption habits of an adult population on the African island of Cabo Verde

Background Food choices and health literacy are fundamental factors in health promotion; they help to establish epidemiological associations between food consumption choices and aspects of health. To deliver effective health policies to a sub-population in Africa, it is important to understand food consumption patterns and levels of health literacy within the population. The aim of this study was to assess levels of health literacy amongst food consumers living in Cidade da Praia, the capital city of Cabo Verde, and the relationship between health literacy and food consumption choices. The objectives were: to identify the health literacy level of food consumers in Cidade da Praia, to describe those consumers’ behaviours and to assess the relationship between consumer habits and health. Methods A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 210 individuals to characterize their health literacy level; their awareness of food labelling relating to ethical production, sustainable consumption and nutritional value; and their conscious decisions to choose healthier food products. Health literacy was evaluated using a Portuguese version of NVS, a tool by which health related information – in this case nutritional information written on a food label – is used to demonstrate one’s ability to use it to answer to questions. Results The sample consisted of 210 individuals, 83 male (39.5%) and 127 female (60.5%), aged between 15 and 65 years. Evaluation of health literacy levels determined that 64.5% of the individuals have a high probability of having low health literacy. Of these, 46.9% read food labels frequently, primarily to check food expiration dates. No gender differences were observed in how labels were read (p=0.857). Awareness of sustainable and ethical practices was evident, as natural products and those claiming a fair working environment for producers influenced consumer choices. Participants recognized the relationship between food and health: 71% reported that they prefer buying food which displays health claims including low-fat, low-salt and low-sugar content. Conclusion There is a fundamental need to improve health literacy levels in this African sub-population. The population is already displaying awareness of sustainability and healthier content in consumption choices. The study respondents refer to and are influenced by food labels but may not have the basic or health literacy levels to make the most of the information provided. By increasing health literacy, people will be empowered to make healthier food choices and consequently health can be promoted through consumer behaviour.