Journal of Integrative Natural Science (통합자연과학논문집)

The Basic Science Institute Chosun University (조선대학교 기초과학연구원)
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Comparison of Female University Students' Sugar Intake and Reduction Perceptions Based on Self-Diagnosis of Sugar Addiction

당류 중독 자가 진단에 따른 여대생의 당류 섭취와 저감화 인식 비교

  • Yeon-Ok Park (Department of Food and Nutrition, Songwon University)
  • 박연옥 (송원대학교 식품영양학과)
  • Received : 2025.07.23
  • Accepted : 2025.08.12
  • Published : 2025.09.30
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Abstract

This study investigated sugar addiction behaviors of female college students, quantified them using a sugar addiction index, and compared their sugar intake and sugar reduction perception according to the degree of sugar addiction. The degree of sugar addiction was classified into four groups by indexing the number of 'yes' answers to the sugar addiction behavior questionnaire. General information on the degree of sugar addiction showed differences among the four groups only in body mass index, and sugar consumption habits showed higher scores from A to D, indicating higher consumption of sugary foods. Among sugary foods, the food with the highest frequency of consumption was carbonated beverages, and the foods with a significantly higher frequency of consumption as D progressed were beverages and snacks. Perception of the government's sugar reduction policy and experience with education and campaigns were highest in A and decreased as they went to D. The need for education on reducing sugar intake and the future consumption of reduced-sugar foods were both highly recognized. In conclusion, the sugar intake habits of the female students in this study were higher than the suspicion of sugar addiction, and the sugar intake was higher as the underweight rate increased, and the interest in or experience with reducing sugar intake was low, indicating that the degree of sugar addiction was severe. It is believed that sugar reduction education will continuously require practical programs that can be applied directly to diet while taking into account differences in the degree of sugar addiction.

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