Nutrition literacy level of medical personnel in tertiary hospitals: evidence from a cross-sectional study

Nutrition literacy (NL), stemming from health literacy, profoundly influences dietary habits and chronic diseases. Despite their pivotal societal role, scant research exists on NL levels among medical personnel. This study examined NL levels among tertiary hospital medical staff in Bengbu and identified influencing factors. Using cluster sampling, all Bengbu tertiary hospitals were selected, with 4–5 departments randomly chosen. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, while the NL short-form scale (NL-SF12) evaluated NL. SPSS 26.0 and AMOS conducted statistical analysis, including confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s α for reliability. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyzed group differences and influencing factors. The NL-SF12 demonstrated robust reliability and validity. Of participants, 34.22% were male and 65.78% female; 41.03% were doctors and 42.16% nurses. Overall, 45.68% exhibited high NL. Females showed higher total NL (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.08–1.98), cognition (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.22–2.24), skills (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09-2.00), and interactive NL (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.53–3.19) than males. Those with a master’s or higher had higher total NL (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.33–3.65) and cognition (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.94–5.37) than those with an associate degree or less. Pharmacists, inspectors, and technicians had higher total NL (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.06–2.26) and functional NL (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02–2.17). Gender, education level, and career were the influencing factors of nutrition literacy among medical personnel. Female medical staff and those with a master’s degree or higher showed higher nutrition literacy (NL), particularly in cognition and skills. Pharmacists, inspectors, and other technicians exhibited higher levels of total NL and functional NL. Gender, education level, and career were identified as significant influencing factors of nutrition literacy among medical personnel. Understanding and considering these factors are crucial for developing targeted strategies to enhance nutrition literacy among healthcare professionals. Future efforts to improve nutrition literacy through training and interventions should be tailored to the characteristics of different groups to effectively enhance the capabilities and proficiency of healthcare professionals in nutrition knowledge and practice.