An Analysis of the Effects of Demographic Characteristics on Nutrition Awareness of Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin D, and Nutrition Label Use Among College-Aged Young Adults

Abstract

Nutrition awareness is essential for promoting healthy dietary behaviors and reducing the risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases among young adults. This study examined the effects of demographic characteristics on nutrition awareness of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin D, and nutrition label use among college-aged young adults enrolled in introductory biology courses at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the southern United States. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed using a structured Nutrition Awareness Survey administered to 228 undergraduate students. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, while Chi-square tests of independence examined the relationships between demographic variables and nutrition awareness outcomes at the 5% significance level. The findings indicated that most participants were younger than 20 years (85%), enrolled in biology for the first time (84%), and majoring outside Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines (78%). Again, the study revealed that awareness of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin D, and nutrition label use was generally low across the sample. Also, the Chi-square analyses revealed that gender was significantly associated with nutrition label use, χ²(12, N = 228) = 28.54, p = .005, and race/ethnicity was also significantly associated with nutrition label use, χ²(18, N = 228) = 33.92, p = .027. However, no statistically significant associations were found between nutrition awareness and age, household size, annual work income, academic major, or first-time biology enrollment (p > .05). Similarly, awareness of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin D did not differ significantly across most demographic characteristics. These findings suggest that demographic factors have a limited influence on nutrition awareness among college-aged young adults, although gender and race/ethnicity significantly influence nutrition label use behaviors. The results underscore the need for targeted nutrition education interventions that improve nutrient awareness and food label literacy among diverse college populations.

Keywords: nutrition awareness, dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin D, nutrition label use, demographic characteristics, college students, HBCU, Chi-square analysis, health promotion

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/16-2-04

Publication date: July 31^st 2026