(PTFS01-01-26) A Scoping Review of Existing Research on Dietary Protein Literacy

Objectives: Dietary protein interest, both publicly and scientifically, continues to grow. Given the increase in attention to protein intake in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, public health messaging and consumer trends, there is a developing need to examine the concept of protein literacy and understand its influence on dietary behaviors. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize research on protein literacy including assessment tools, educational sessions, and developed frameworks.

Methods: This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, complied with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance for data extraction, and was registered in the Open Science Framework. We searched CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, CDC Stacks, and CENTRAL up until May 2025. Studies were included if they presented a protein literacy model, framework, assessment tool, intervention, or program. Each paper was evaluated for title, abstract, and full text review by two reviewers, followed by data extraction, with a third reviewer resolving conflicts.

Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Sixteen included an assessment tool measuring dietary protein knowledge, attitudes, and importance. The tools most often assessed knowledge about protein intake and sources, while few addressed behavioral application or communication skills related to protein sources. Few assessment tools were developed using validated literacy framework (n=5) and none based on a protein literacy framework. Most instruments did not assess validity while ten reported reliability. Three studies gathered qualitative data through semi structured interviews or focus groups to explore perceptions of protein adequacy and understanding dietary guidance. Most studies focused on adult populations (n=14).

Conclusions: Findings reveal inconsistencies in defining and measuring protein literacy. Current approaches tend to isolate knowledge or attitudes without considering other dimensions such as application. A comprehensive, theory-driven framework is needed to guide the development of validated assessment tools and educational programs that capture the multifaceted nature of protein literacy.

Funding Sources: USDA NIFA and the National Pork Board