• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.295-301
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• 2003

This study was carried out to investigate perception about body image, dietary attitude, nutrient intake and dietary self-efficacy of high school students in Pusan. A questionaire survey was distributed among 491 high school students. The survey was conducted from April 8 to April 22 in 2002. The results are summarized as follows. Forty percents of the underweight group, 53.9% of the normal weight group, 61.8% of the overweight group and 48.2% of obesity group have correct perception about their body image. Most of the students were concerned with their body image and weight control. Obesity of parents was significantly correlated with obesity of the subjects (p<0.01). The higher obesity rate, the lower dietary self-efficacy. The higher dietary self-efficacy, the higher dietary attitude. There was a significant positive correlation between the education level of their parents and dietary attitude of the subjects (p<0.01) and a significant negative correlation between obesity rate of their mothers and dietary attitude of the subjects (p<0.01). Dietary attitude scores showed no significant difference among the groups. Intakes of most nutrients, except protein, niacin and vitamin C, were lower than those of the recommended dietary allowances for Koreans. Therefore, proper nutrition education is required to improve their nutritional status and dietary self-efficacy.