• Human Ecology Research
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.395-401
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating effects of language abilities associated with between emotionality, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and peer play interactions. Two hundred fifty-two participants were 3 year olds, with 136 boys and 116 girls. They were recruited from day care centers and preschools in Gyunggi province and Incheon city. Peer play interaction was assessed by the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale (PIPPS). Emotionality was measured by Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ). ADHD was assessed by teacher ratings of ADHD syndrome. Language abilities were measured by Korean Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (K-WPPSI). Teachers completed questionnaires to assess peer play interactions, emotionality, ADHD. The results revealed that language abilities moderated relationships between emotionality and play in isolation. The magnitude of associations between emotionality and play in isolation was greater for high levels of language abilities. Moreover, there were moderating effects of language abilities associated between ADHD and play disruptions. Although ADHD was significantly associated with play disruptions, the association was stronger at the higher levels than the low levels of language abilities. It can be deduced that language abilities of 3 year old children affects the protection factor between emotionality and peer play isolation; whilst, it affects the risk factor on peer play disruptions and ADHD propensity.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.323-332
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze specific foods influencing absolute nutrient intake and between-person variations of nutrient intake among Korean preschoolers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 2,766 participants aged 1-5 years in the 2009-2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained from a 24-h dietary recall method. Major food sources of absolute nutrient intake were evaluated based on percent contribution of each food. To assess the contribution of specific foods to between-person variations in nutrient intake, stepwise multiple regressions were performed and cumulative $R^2$ was used. RESULTS: White rice and milk were main food sources of energy, protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, iron, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The percentage of fat contributed by milk was 21.3% which was the highest, followed by pork, soybean oil, and egg. White rice accounted for 25% and 40% of total variability in total energy and carbohydrate intakes, respectively. About 39% of variation in calcium intake was explained by milk while 40% of variation in phosphorous intake was explained by cheese. The top 10 foods contributing to between-person variations in nutrient intakes were similar with food items that mainly contributed to absolute nutrient intakes. The number of foods explaining 90% of absolute amounts of nutrient intakes varied from 28 for vitamin A to 80 for iron. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified specific foods that contributed to absolute nutrient intakes and between-person variations in nutrient intakes among Korean preschoolers. Our findings can be used to develop dietary assessment tools and establish food-based dietary guidelines for young children.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.521-526
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although a lot of effort has been put into increasing fruit and vegetable intakes in preschool children, vegetable intake in this group is still low. This study investigated whether nutrition education focusing on fruit and vegetable intakes can affect preschoolers' fruit and vegetable intakes as well as their behavioral outcomes. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Thirty-five preschoolers (54.3% boys, n = 19) aged 4-6 years residing in Seoul underwent weekly nutrition education intervention (8 sessions) between May and July 2016. Intakes of fruits and vegetables were measured during pre and post-intervention. At snack time, fresh fruit (150 g) and vegetable (120 g) snacks were distributed to each child by teachers. The remaining portions of the snacks were weighed and recorded for each child. Behavioral outcomes were measured by applying Child behavior checklist 1.5-5 and the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. RESULTS: During post intervention, vegetable intake increased from $36.15{\pm}30.64g$ to $48.01{\pm}31.23g$ (P = 0.010). Among the emotional and behavioral problems measured by parents, levels of total problems (P = 0.001), internalizing (P = 0.004), externalizing (P = 0.003), anxiety and depression (P = 0.001), and aggressive behavior (P = 0.005) decreased. Anxiety (P = 0.026) score, as measured by teachers, also decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition education of preschoolers regarding the intakes of fruits and vegetables had a positive effect on preschoolers' vegetable intake as well as on their emotional and behavioral outcomes. A long-term, large-scale study with a broader study design is warranted to further investigate the role of fruit and vegetable intake in cognitive development and behavior of preschoolers.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 2023

Head louse infestation is a significant public health problem across the world, particularly among preschool and primary schoolchildren. This study investigated the trends of head louse infestation in the Republic of Korea over a 9-year period (2011-2019), targeting primary schoolchildren in 3 areas of Seoul, 4 other large cities, and 9 provinces. A survey was administered annually by the health staff of each regional office (n= 16) of the Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP). The branch offices of KAHP examined a total of 51,508 primary schoolchildren, comprising 26,532 boys and 24,976 girls. Over the 9-year survey, a total of 1,107 (2.1%) schoolchildren tested positive for adults and/or nits of Pediculus humanus capitis. The prevalence was 2.8% (133/4,727) in 2011-2012 and gradually decreased to 0.8% (49/6,461) in 2019 (P< 0.05). Head lice were found more frequently in girls (3.0%; 746/24,976) than in boys (1.4%; 361/26,532) (P< 0.05). In terms of geographic localities, the highest infestation rate, 4.7% (average prevalence over 9 years), was observed in southern Seoul (Gangnam branch of KAHP), whereas the lowest infestation rate, 0.7%, was seen in Gyeongsang (north and south provinces) and western Seoul. Although the prevalence decreased significantly during the 9-year period, head louse infestation remains a health and hygiene issue among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea. Regular surveys along with health education are needed to further improve children's hair hygiene.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.16-33
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• 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine mothers' knowledge levels on complementary foods and their perception of convenience complementary foods. Methods: An online survey was conducted with mothers aged 20-49 years who had purchased convenience complementary foods and had a preschool child aged 4 months or older. The respondents were categorized into 3 groups based on their knowledge scores: low- (0-50 points), mid- (55-65 points), and high- (70-100 points) knowledge groups. Results: The average score of mothers' knowledge on complementary foods was 58.8 out of 100 points. Working mothers were found to have lower levels of knowledge compared to mothers who were housewives. Only 1/4 of responding mothers had educational experience on complementary foods. Mothers expressed a desire for information on the types of complementary foods (72.2%) and the intake amounts (60.3%) corresponding to each phase of their child's development. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences in health (P = 0.002), variety (P = 0.039), and hygiene (P = 0.041) among the factors taken into consideration when purchasing convenience complementary foods according to the mothers' knowledge levels. Mothers in the high-knowledge group placed a greater importance on 'balanced nutrition' (P = 0.022) and 'hygienic cooking' (P = 0.010) compared to mothers in the low-knowledge group. The results of the modified importance-performance analysis, which compared the importance and performance of the factors taken into consideration when purchasing convenience complementary foods, highlighted the need for efforts in 'health,' 'hygiene,' and 'price,' while also indicating an excessive effort in 'convenience.' Conclusions: This study suggests expanding relevant education programs to enhance mothers' knowledge on complementary foods, especially for working mothers. In the industry, marketing strategies for complementary food products could be developed that align with the needs of mothers, focusing on health, hygiene, and price.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.125-135
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• 2024

Purpose: The updated ROME IV criteria for functional constipation (FC) in children were published in 2016. However, information on the use of these criteria is scarce. This study aimed to report the frequency of the use of the ROME IV criteria by Indonesian pediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) in FC management in infants and toddlers. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Results: A total of 248 respondents (183 pediatricians and 65 GPs) from 24 Indonesian provinces completed the survey. Most respondents reported an estimated prevalence of FC to be less than 5% both in infants and toddlers. On average, only 64.6% of respondents frequently used the ROME IV criteria. Pediatricians used the ROME IV criteria more often than GPs did (p<0.001). The most frequently used criteria were painful or hard bowel movements (75.0%) and ≤2 defecations/week (71.4%). Lactulose as a laxative was the preferred treatment choice, followed by changing the standard formula to a specific nutritional formula. Most of the respondents carried out parenteral reassurance and education. Normal growth, as a marker of good digestion and absorption function, and normal stool consistency and frequency were the most reported indicators of gut health. Conclusion: The ROME IV criteria for functional constipation are not extensively used by pediatricians and GPs in Indonesia. Laxatives and specific nutritional formulas were the most used management approaches in infants and toddlers. Medical education, especially for general practitioners, should be updated.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.159-167
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of caries in the dentition of preschool children using cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. 815 preschool children aged 36-71 months old were examined for caries experience. The first four clusters in the cluster analysis were (1) molars, (2) upper incisors, (3) lower 1st molars, and (4) upper 1st molars in teeth, (1) occlusal surfaces of lower molars and upper 2nd molars, (2) mesial surfaces of upper central incisors, (3) occlusal surfaces of lower 1st molars, and (4) separation between occlusal surfaces of upper and lower 2nd molars in tooth surfaces, and (1) proximal surfaces of upper anterior teeth, (2) occlusal surfaces of lower molars, (3) buccolingual surfaces of upper anterior teeth and (4) buccolingual, proximal, and occlusal surfaces of upper molars and buccolingual and proximal surfaces of lower molars in tooth surfaces groups. In the multidimensional scaling analysis, teeth could be divided into lower 1st molars, upper 1st molars, upper central incisors, upper lateral incisors, lower 2nd molars, upper 2nd molars, and the rest(canines, lower incisors), tooth surfaces could be divided into occlusal surfaces of lower molars, mesial surfaces of upper central incisors, occlusal surfaces of upper molars, and the rest, and tooth surface groups could be divided into proximal surfaces of upper anterior teeth, buccolingual surfaces of upper anteiror teeth, occlusal surfaces of lower molars, and the rest in the order of the distance from others. In the cluster analysis and the multidimensional scaling analysis, caries patterns were different according to the age.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.293-305
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• 1998

According to economical status, under-nutrition and over-nutrition coexist in preschool children in Korea. Subjects consumed more than RDA in most nutrients, and children in of the upper income class tended to have more nutrients than those of the low income class. Especially in case of energy, protein, fat, vitamin $B_2$, and P there were significant differences among the different classes. The mean calorie compositions of carbohydrates, protein and fat were $57{\sim}59:\;16{\sim}17:\;26{\sim}27$ and fat calorie percentage was higher than quantity recommended for Korean adults. Energy, protein, Fe, vitamin A, $B_1$ and C intakes were taken mostly from plant food sources. In the upper income class group, intakes of protein and vitamin $B_2$ from animal food sources were higher than in any other income classes. Intakes of iron, vitamin A, $B_1$ and C were largely provided by plant food group. Especially 44-45% of vitamin A were taken from vegetable and fruits group, which indicated that about 50% of vitamin A intake was the form of ${\beta}-carotene$. Also compared with other groups, in the upper income class group, the intakes of energy, protein, Ca, p, vitamin $B_1$ and vitamin $B_2$ from cereal and potatoes were significantly lower, and those of Ca and P from milks and meats, fishes & eggs were significantly higher(p<0.05). The mean fat intake in all subjects was $38{\sim}43g/day$. Regardless of income class, oleic acid($6.6{\sim}8.4g$) and linoleic acid($6.7{\sim}8.1g$) were the most abundant fatty acids contained in the diet. The upper class group consumed significantly more total saturated fatty acids and total monounsaturated fatty acids(p<0.05). In polyunsaturated fatty acids, there were no differences between 3 different income classes, but intakes of total ${\omega}6$ fatty acids in the upper class tended to be higher and those of total o3 fatty acids in low class tended to be higher. Therefore, ${\omega}6/{\omega}3$ tended to be higher in the upper class group. Regardless of income classes, P/M/S and ${\omega}6/{\omega}3$ ratios in all subjects were $0.9{\sim}l.3/1.0{\sim}1.1/1.0$ and $5.2{\sim}7.4/1.0$, respectively and were in a desirable range. Cholesterol intake of subject was 184-218 mg/day, which was comparable to the value of Korean adult intake.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.42 no.8
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• pp.169-185
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• 2004

This study was performed to investigate the characteristics of meal patterns among Koreans of different age groups. The study subjects consisted of preschool children (PC), elementary school children (EC), high school students (HS), college students (CS), and adults over 30 years old living in Seoul and the surrounding areas. A dietary survey was conducted using 24-hour recall method from 1996-1998 and data were collected from 2392 subjects. The subjects over 30 years old were classified as 30∼49 years, 50∼69 years, and over 70 years. EC, HS, and CS groups consumed less than 20％ of their total energy intake from breakfast. PC and EC consumed over 30％ of their energy from snacks. In all age groups, the proportion of subjects who skipped a meal was highest for breakfast and lowest for dinner. Especially, 31.4％ of the CS group skipped breakfast. Breakfast and snacks provided higher quality meals than the others when each meal was assessed by the index of nutritional quality (INQ). Especially, lunch of the HS group, each meal of the EC group and subjects over 70 years of age had a lower diet quality than the others did. The major snack items for PC, EC, HS, and CS groups were milk, ice cream, and snack cakes, but those for subjects over 30 years of age were fruits. The PC group obtained 35.5％ of their energy from snacks, but the proportion of snack energy decreased with increasing age. PC and EC groups obtained a great proportion of calcium, vitamin B2, fat, and cholesterol intake from snacks. Snack foods provided 53.2％, 42.4％, 45.4％, and 24.6％ of those nutrients, respectively, for the PC group and 54.2％, 43.5％, 37.4％, and 26.8％, respectively, for the EC group. These results suggested that each age group had specific meal patterns. Especially, breakfast and snack intake seemed to complement overall diet quality. However, more intervention is needed to improve overall dietary nutrition, e.g., efforts to decrease fat and cholesterol proportion and increase breakfast consumption. These dietary characteristics among different age groups present foundation data for the development of methods to resolve the nutritional problems of each age group.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.529-542
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity level (PAL), the physical activity pattern and the energy expenditure in male and female elementary school soccer players using the accelerometer and the physical activity diary. Methods: Twenty-five (male 11, female 14) elementary school soccer players (9-12 years) participated in this study. During their daily activities, they wore an accelerometer for seven days (five weekdays and two weekend days) and completed the physical activity diary for three days (two weekdays and one weekend day). PAL was calculated by using the physical activity diary and three equations (Pate Preschool, Freedson Children, and Freedson) were used to calculate the intensity of physical activity and energy expenditure from the counts of accelerometer. Results: The average of physical activity by day of the week, CPM (Counts Per Minute) and METs (Metabolic Equivalents) were significantly higher in males ($723.3{\pm}149.2CPM$, $2.07{\pm}0.18METs$) compared to females ($505.6{\pm}119.9CPM$, $1.79{\pm}0.20METs$), but there was no significant difference in PAEE (Physical Activity Energy Expenditure) between the two groups (males: $15.5{\pm}9.1kcal/day$, females: $11.5{\pm}6.0kcal/day$). During weekdays, physical activity intensity was significantly higher in males compared to females at lunch time and training time than at other times. In both genders, the PAL was higher during weekdays (males 1.98, females 1.89) compared to weekend (males 1.62, females 1.61) (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our study observations suggest the necessity to develop an accelerometer equation for accurately evaluating the physical activity of elementary school athletes.