• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.516-527
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association of depressive symptoms, stress perception, and suicidal ideation with overall dietary quality using the newly developed Korean healthy eating index (KHEI). SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 9,607 adults (3,939 men and 5,668 women, ≥ 19 years) who participated in the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 and 2015. The KHEI scores were calculated using the food frequency questionnaire data. Survey logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between psychiatric distress and dietary quality. RESULTS: The percentage of subjects with experience of depressive mood, higher stress perception, and suicidal ideation was 8.2%, 25.0%, and 3.7% in men and 15.4%, 27.3%, and 6.0% in women, respectively. The mean KHEI score was 61.5 ± 0.29 in men and 64.8 ± 0.24 in women (P < 0.001). The present study found a difference in the adherence to specific dietary components of the KHEI between sexes. Men experiencing depressive symptoms were less likely to eat meat, fish, eggs, and beans, while depressed women showed lower vegetable intake. Both men and women with suicidal ideation showed a lower intake of vegetables. The men with stress had a lower breakfast eating score than those without stress (7.21 vs. 6.77, P = 0.016). The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for depressive symptoms, stress perception, and the suicidal idea in women with the highest quartile of KHEI scores compared to the lowest quartile was 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.92), 0.73 (0.58-0.82), and 0.52 (0.33-0.82), respectively and significant dose-response associations were observed (P for trends < 0.05 for all). On the other hand, these associations were not observed in men after adjusting for the confounding variables (P for trends > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Poor adherence to dietary recommendations is associated with psychological distress, especially in women.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.628-645
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary habits of the elderly using the nutrition quotient for the elderly (NQ-E) and to analyze the differences in the NQ-E according to their levels of oral health. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The survey was administered to 123 elderly people receiving congregate meal services in Seoul. The questionnaire comprised 3 domains: oral health status, general characteristics, and the NQ-E for the elderly. RESULTS: The respondents were divided into 2 groups based on the average score of their levels of oral health (the group with high oral health scores: 4.42 points and the group with low oral health scores: 2.89 points). As a result of evaluating nutritional status using the NQ-E, it was found that the average NQ-E score was 58.7 points, with 46.0 points in the balance domain, 47.0 points in the diversity domain, 72.9 points in the moderation domain, and 61.8 points in the dietary behavior domain. The NQ-E score (62.3 points) of the group with high oral health scores is significantly higher than the NQ-E score (54.7 points) of the group with low oral health scores (P < 0.001). Concerning the NQ domain scores, the elderly with good oral health status had "favorable" results in terms of balance and dietary behavior, and the elderly with poor oral health status had "favorable" results only in terms of balance. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, several dietary areas needed improvement in general. Those with poor oral health conditions urgently needed to improve related factors to minimize the risk of increasing imbalanced nutrition and comorbidities due to insufficient nutrition and undesirable eating habits.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.269-283
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the food security status of urban poor adolescents and its association with diet quality. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 188 adolescents aged 13-18 yrs living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Household food insecurity and dietary intake data were collected using the Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity instrument and 2-day 24-h dietary recalls, respectively. Diet quality was determined using the Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Weight and height were measured and body mass index-for-age, as well as height-for-age z scores were calculated. RESULTS: The present study revealed that 47.9% of the adolescents experienced household food insecurity, 24.5% experienced individual food insecurity, 18.6% household food security, and 9.0% child hunger. The mean score of diet quality was 56.83 ± 10.09, with a significantly lower HEI score among food insecure adolescents (household food insecure, individual food insecure, and child hunger) than household food secure adolescents (P = 0.001). The differences between food secure and food insecure households were found to be significant for energy (P = 0.001) and nutrients including proteins (P = 0.006), carbohydrates (P = 0.005), dietary fiber (P = 0.001), folate (P < 0.001), and vitamin C (P = 0.006). The multiple linear regression showed that adolescents who experienced food insecurity (β = -0.328; P = 0.003) were found to be significantly associated with poor diet quality (F = 2.726; P < 0.01), wherein 13.3% of the variation in the diet quality was explained by the food security status. CONCLUSIONS: Experiencing food insecurity contributed to poor diet quality among urban poor adolescents. Further longitudinal studies are needed to comprehensively understand this association to improve food insecurity and diet quality among urban poor communities.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.sup1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2022

Research articles were reviewed to validate the estimated energy requirements (EERs) equations developed by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM). These equations are based on total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. We subsequently aimed to provide the basis for the suitability to apply the IOM equations as EER equations for Koreans, and develop relevant equations for EER in the Dietary Reference Intake for Koreans (KDRI). Additionally, besides the EER(IOM) equations, other equations were examined for EER estimation. Research papers demonstrating the validation of the EER(IOM) equations based on TEE(DLW) were searched through PubMed (up to September 2019). Of the 637 potentially relevant articles identified, duplicates and unsuitable titles and abstracts were excluded. Furthermore, papers with irrelevant subject and inappropriate study design were also excluded. Finally, 11 papers were included in the review. Among the reviewed papers, 8 papers validated the application of the EER(IOM) equations for EER based on TEE(DLW). These included 3 studies for children (USA 1, Korea 2), 1 for adolescents (Portugal), 2 for adults (Korean), and 2 for the elderly (Korea, USA). EER(IOM) equations were found to be generally acceptable for determining EER by using the DLW method, except for Korean boys at 9-11 yrs (overestimated) and female athletes at 19-24 yrs (underestimated). Additionally, 5 papers include the validation of other EER equations, beside EER(IOM) for EER based on TEE(DLW). In Japanese dietary reference intake and recommended dietary allowance, EER equations are acceptable for determining EER based on TEE(DLW). The EER(IOM) equations is generally acceptable for determining EER using the DLW method in Koreans as well as several populations, although certain defined groups were found to be unfit for the estimation. Additionally, the concept of healthy body mass index of Koreans and physical activity levels need to be considered, thereby providing the basis for developing relevant equations of EER in KDRI.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.376-391
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• 2023

Objectives: Our previously published study showed that a workplace nutrition intervention program with personalized goal setting and smartphone-based nutrition counseling improved dietary habits and physical activity in city bus drivers who were overweight/obese. This study explored the facilitators and barriers that participants faced in achieving their dietary and physical activity goals six months after the intervention. Methods: The study included bus drivers and dietitians who participated in the intervention program. Three focus group interviews were conducted with 10 bus drivers (divided by two groups based on their achievement of set goals) and five dietitians who had provided nutrition counseling. Results: Willpower was the most important intrapersonal facilitator for drivers to achieve their goals. Other factors that promoted behavioral changes were nutrition counseling by dietitians, trackable physical activity using smartwatches, and setting of practical and achievable goals. Meanwhile, the most important barriers identified were occupational factors such as long driving hours, short breaks, and shift work. Other barriers were environmental factors such as availability of snackable food, accessibility to convenience stores, and cold weather. Family and colleagues were perceived as both facilitators and barriers. In addition, dietitians identified a lack of knowledge about healthy diet as one of the barriers. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the workplace environment should be improved and that nutrition intervention programs at the workplace could encourage bus drivers to practice healthy eating habits. The facilitators and barriers identified in this study should be considered when planning a nutrition intervention program for bus drivers.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.523-533
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Given that adolescents watch Mukbang (eating broadcast) more frequently than other age groups, interest in the potential health effects of watching Mukbang and Cookbang (cooking broadcast) is growing. This study aimed to determine the status of watching Mukbang and Cookbang among Korean adolescents and its relationship with their dietary behaviors. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We used data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted in 2022 (n = 51,850). The study included the frequency of watching Mukbang and Cookbang and the self-rated impact of watching them. Dietary behaviors included consumption of the following items: fruits (≥ once a day), vegetables (≥ 3 times a day), fast foods (≥ 3 times a week), late-night snacks (≥ 3 times a week), caffeinated drinks (≥ 3 times a week), and sweet-flavored drinks (≥ 3 times a week). Furthermore, obesity, weight loss attempts during the past 30 days, body image distortion, and inappropriate methods to control weight were also included. RESULTS: Among adolescents, 70.6% watched Mukbang and Cookbang, and 13.2% watched them more than 5 times a week. Approximately 27.6% of the adolescents responded that they were influenced by watching Mukbang and Cookbang. Adolescents who frequently watched Mukbang and Cookbang consumed less vegetable and fruit; however, the likelihood of consuming fast food, late-night snacks, sugary drinks, and caffeinated drinks increased. In addition, they were more likely to attempt inappropriate weight-loss methods and become obese. Adolescents who responded that their eating habits were influenced by watching Mukbang and Cookbang were more likely to have unhealthy eating behavior compared to the group who responded that their habits were not influenced by these shows. CONCLUSION: Watching Mukbang and Cookbang is common among Korean adolescents and is associated with unhealthy dietary behaviors. Prospective studies, including broadcasting content, should evaluate the impact of Mukbang and Cookbang on health.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.174-189
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and growth of Korean infants, who were atending peripheral community clinics in low income areas, by anthropometric measurements and estimating dietary intakes. Dietary intakes and growth were compared among different feeding patterns of 143 infants until age 9 months. The overall mean nutrient intakes of infants in this study were below the recommended allowances except the calcium intake from significant difference in each groups; however, calcium, zinc and iron intake of the formula fed infant(FF) was higher than the breast fed infant(BF) or the mixed fed infant(MF). Form ages 4-6 months, the nutrient intakes were shown to be higher in groups that were given supplementary foods than groups that were not. From ages 7-9 months, all nutrient intakes were higher in or the formula and supplementary foods fed(ESF) infants than in the breast and supplementary food(BSF) or the formula and supplementary food(FSF) groups, All subjets in this study showed a large Z-score. The growth of infants up to 6 months of age showed no significant difference in the feeding pattern, however, after 7 months of age the BSF group had significantly lower weight than the FSF or the ESF groups, There were significant positive relationships between infants weight gain at age 7-9 months from birth and the current protein or zinc intakes. As a result the average status of nutrient intakes of infants in this area was loser than the RDA, however, the growth pattern was fairly good. Although the breast milk is beneficial for infants, mothers should be educated for the importance of supplemental food and its practice to support good mutrition(Korean J Community Nutrition 3 (2) : 174-189, 1998)

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.572-584
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of recognition, practice and information acquisition behaviors regarding food additives of university students for development of educational programs. The data were collected from 283 students in the Yeungnam region through a self-administered questionnaire. The level of concern about food additives was intermediate. The level of checking labels for food additives when buying processed foods was not high. The main reason for not checking labels for food additives was "Buying the special brand products repeatedly". In the factor analysis for perception of food additives, three factors were categorized; effect of food additives on human health, administration and regulation of food additives, and necessity of food additives. According to regression analyses, grade, concern about food additives and perception of amount of food additives had significant effects on human health. The significant variables for administration and regulation of food additives were gender, grade, major, monthly allowance and concern about food additives. In addition, major was a significant variable for the necessity of food additives. Many respondents did not reduce intake of food additives; males did less than females. Most respondents answered they did not acquire sufficient information about food additives. Regarding needs for information content on food additives, respondents wanted information about safety of food additives the most, followed by items of labels for food additives, and ways to reduce intake of food additives.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.140-151
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• 2024

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an obesity program developed to solve 'obesity', which was selected as the top priority for urgent improvement among the dietary problems of elementary school students in Busan. The program aimed to practice four health rules every day (sleep early, eat two vegetables with each meal, reduce sugary snacks, and exercise for 30 minutes every day). The participants were trained to practice the four rules online in real time every day for three weeks, and their performance in nutrition education tasks was monitored using Padlet. The anthropometric measurements showed no change in the overall average weight before and after participating in the program, but all students grew in height (z=-6.978, P<0.001), and the number of obese students decreased significantly (z=-3.317, P<0.001). This obesity program was effective in improving height growth and obesity in elementary school students. In terms of dietary changes, after participating in the program, the frequency of vegetable consumption increased significantly (z=-4.849, P<0.001), the frequency of sweet snack consumption decreased significantly (z=-4.298, P<0.001), and the bedtime improved (z=-1.000). Therefore, the non-face-to-face, self-directed obesity program developed in this study is expected to reduce the workload of nutrition teachers carrying a heavy workload such as meal service and nutrition classes, and can be used as an efficient nutrition counseling program.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.705-712
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary guidelines for Korean children were released in 2009. The goal of the present study was to examine diet quality in terms of adherence to these dietary guidelines as well as explore the association between guideline adherence and risk of obesity in Korean children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Children aged 5-11 years (mean age = 8.9 years old, n = 191, 80.6% girls) were recruited from a university hospital in Seoul, Korea. Adherence to dietary guidelines for Korean children was calculated using the Likert scale (1-5), and children were then categorized into low, moderate, and high groups based on adherence scores. Obesity or being overweight was determined based on an age- and gender-specific percentile for body mass index (BMI) of the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. Diet quality was evaluated from 3 days of dietary intake data. RESULTS: Children in the high adherence group were characterized by significantly lower BMI percentiles and paternal BMIs as well as higher percentages of fathers with a high level of education and higher household incomes compared to those in the low or moderate group. Children in the high adherence group consumed significantly higher amounts of milk and dairy products, were less likely to consume lower than the EAR of phosphorus and iron, and had higher NARs for calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and MAR than those in low groups. The ORs for obesity ($BMI{\geq}95^{th}$ percentile) or being overweight including obesity ($BMI{\geq}85^{th}$ percentile) were significantly lower in the high adherence group compared to the low adherence group (OR: 0.33, 95% CI = 0.13-0.82, P for trend = 0.019; OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11-0.61 P for trend = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Korean children who adhered to dietary guidelines displayed better diet quality and a reduced risk of obesity.