• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.803-811
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nutrition knowledge has been reported to have a weak positive effect on healthy eating behavior. This study aimed to determine if there was a difference in nutrition knowledge depending on the choice of science subject in high school and whether that affected the actual eating habits of college students in Japan. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The subjects were 514 college students, the majority first-year students, in 3 cities in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted on elective subjects in science in high school, diet (11 items), lifestyle (5 items), and nutrition knowledge (34 questions). The preliminary survey was conducted on 47 students in the fall of 2019, and the full-scale survey was conducted in May-June and October-November 2021 at the end of lectures for the first-year students. RESULTS: The students in the high-score group (24-31 points, n = 180) had a higher intake of vegetables (odds ratio [OR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.82; P = 0.015) and breakfast (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.03-2.60; P = 0.035), and a reduced intake of fast food (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.51; P < 0.001) than those in the low-score group (6-19 points, n = 150). Only the biology and chemistry students had significantly higher nutrition scores than the other groups (all: P < 0.001), but no significant difference was found between the other groups. Understanding nutrition learned in elementary and junior high school is appropriate, while molecular structure, recommended amount, and food poisoning were insufficient. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of nutrition appears to have a positive effect on the actual eating habits of college students. Although biology and chemistry in high school may help students understand the foundations of good nutrition, specialized food education may be required to make informed dietary choices.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.125-139
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• 2024

This study assessed the beauty care behavior and the dietary attitudes, eating behaviors, and dietary quality related to beauty care in accordance with the level of interest in beauty care by examining 558 female high school subjects in the Incheon area. The study aimed to identify the interest in beauty care on the part of adolescent girls that impacts their dietary life and provide basic data for nutrition education forming desirable dietary habits. The interest in beauty care on the part of female high school students is relevant to dietary life and dietary attitude, with the high-level interest group attempting to use diet foods more frequently and attempting weight control because of their low satisfaction with their body type. On the other hand, a high level of interest in appearance failed to lead to the practice of a varied and balanced dietary life. Therefore, nutritional education is necessary to avoid a high level of interest in beauty care, leading to an incorrect perception of body shape and excessive weight control. Furthermore, nutrition education is necessary to link interest in appearance to the beauty of a healthy body based on nutritional balance by connecting the interest in appearance to a varied and balanced dietary life that goes beyond the category of practice.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.278-295
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• 2022

Purpose: This study was undertaken to revise and update the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) for Korean adults, a tool used to evaluate dietary quality and behavior. Methods: The first 31 items of the measurable food behavior checklist were adopted based on considerations of the previous NQ checklist, recent literature reviews, national nutrition policies, and recommendations. A pilot survey was conducted on 100 adults aged 19 to 64 residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province from March to April 2021 using a provisional 26- item checklist. Pilot survey data were analyzed using factor analysis and frequency analysis to determine whether checklist items were well organized and responses to questions were well distributed, respectively. As a result, the number of items on the food behavior checklist was reduced to 23 for the nationwide survey, which was administered to 1,000 adults (470 men and 530 women) aged 19 to 64 from May to August 2021. The construct validity of the developed NQ (NQ-2021) was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, linear structural relations. Results: Eighteen items in 3 categories, that is, balance (8 items), moderation (6 items), and practice (4 items), were finally included in NQ-2021 food behavior checklist. 'Balance' items addressed the intake frequencies of essential foods, 'moderation' items the frequencies of unhealthy food intakes or behaviors, and 'practice' items addressed eating behaviors. Items and categories were weighted using standardized path coefficients to calculate NQ-2021 scores. Conclusion: The updated NQ-2021 appears to be suitable for easily and quickly assessing the diet qualities and behaviors of Korean adults.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.217-228
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• 2013

Objective: This study was performed to identify associations between the practice of health behaviors and awareness of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among adults aged 19 to 64 years in the Gwangju-Jeonnam area. Methods: This study utilized data from the 2010 Community Health Survey (CHS). Health behaviors considered in this study were smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, low-salt diet, and perception of stress. The index for the health behaviors was calculated as the sum of the practice of each health behavior (range: 0-5). The analysis was weighted with a complex sampling design, and the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to identify the association between the practice of health behaviors and awareness of MetS. Results: A total of 19.8% of the population were aware of MetS. The perception of MetS was statistically significantly associated with healthy behaviors, including nonsmoking (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.14-1.56), non-high-risk drinking (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.27-1.88), engagement in physical activity (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.28-1.72), and a low-salt diet (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.13-1.51). The ORs of the perception of MetS were significantly higher in patients with a health behavior index of 2 to 3 (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.01-2.66) and in those with an index of ${\geq}4$ (aOR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.51-4.04) than in those with an index of 0. Among all health behaviors, physical activity had the highest OR for the perception of MetS (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.29-1.74). Conclusions: This study revealed associations between health behaviors, especially physical activity, and awareness of MetS. Therefore, integrated health promotion programs may be needed to enhance awareness of MetS and to effectively prevent MetS and non-communicable diseases.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.183-195
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to discover the effects on women's health education for college women on their health promotion behaviors and the health related knowledge. The content of women's health education consisted of sex education, smoking, alcohol, exercise, nutrition, diet and stress management. “A Women and Heath” course was provided as an optional full term subject in the years of 2002 and 2003 at C University in G City. Out of 210 students who had chosen this course, 134 had agreed to participate in the research and had answered the same questionnaire which was given before the education and 14 weeks after the course at the last class. The findings are as follows： 1. It was found that the subjects have obtained knowledge mainly from television, radio, the Internet, women's magazines in order before the education. 2. Knowledge related to women"s health origionally scored low(average 1.92 out of 5). However, having completed a course on women and their health, they showed a significant increase of knowledge statistically(t＝26.945, p＝ .001) with average score of 3.48. 3. Health promotion behaviors who had completed the course has statistically significantly increased (t＝6.464, p＝ .001) compared to before the education. The results of this study are that by providing a women's health related course for college women on a regular basis, they could broaden their health related knowledge and become more active in practicing health promotion behaviors. This shows us the need to broaden the curriculum on women's health at the college level so that women have good knowledge and practice the knowledge for the sake of their health throughout their life.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.160-166
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The obese population is rapidly increasing because of reduced physical activity and a Westernized diet; consequently, various chronic diseases are more prevalent. With the increasing interest in body shape and appearance, research on body shape perceptions and accompanying weight control behaviors are needed for healthy weight management. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on randomly selected 536 (209 men and 327 women) aged 20 to 65 years. Body mass index (BMI), body-shape perception, weight control behavior, quality of sleep, and place of residence were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted using complex design in each groups. Collected data were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, and the significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: When these two variables were divided into four groups, they were found to influence dieting attempts. People with abnormal weights who were dissatisfied with their body shapes attempted dieting 5.23 times more than those with healthy weights and satisfaction with their body shapes. Further, those with normal weights but dissatisfaction with their bodies attempted dieting 4.45 times more than those who were satisfied with their shapes. Subjects in their 20s attempted dieting 2.53 times more than those in their 30s and 40s, and female subjects attempted dieting 2.24 times more than male subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A correct perception of one's shape can be an important factor for dietary behavior, as body shape perceptions and dieting attempts are strongly related. Additionally, healthy weight management and nutrition education are important elements to incorporate into a weight control program aimed at preventing excessive weight control behaviors and promoting correct perceptions of body shape.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.242-251
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine disparities in food and nutrient intakes based on family types identified among 1,856 participants who were the Korean elderly people in the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) excluding those who were currently practicing the diet therapy. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We separated the subjects into two groups: living alone (LA, n = 638) and living with a spouse (LS, n = 1,218). We also examined the disparities of dietary quantity and quality of those two groups using complex sampling design general linear regression analyses (CS GLM). RESULTS: In the LA group, there was a higher percentage of females and average age in LA group was higher than the participants in the LS group. Household income and education level were significantly lower in LA compared to those of LS. The frequencies of skipping meals were higher in LA. LA's food and nutrient intakes showed lower consumption of vegetables, fruits, seaweeds, and of most nutrients. Even after adjusting for the confounding factors, the consumption of vegetables, seaweeds, carbohydrates, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin C showed lower in LA than LS. Moreover, LA's nutrient intake ratios compared to the KDRIs were lower which turned out to be similar to their nutrient intakes. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that dietary behavior and food intake of the elderly are associated with family types. Frequently skipping meals and less dietary variety are more common with elderly persons who were living alone. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate the supplementary food programs and nutrition education programs for the elderly living alone.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate weight control attempts and related factors among 209 middle school female students in Daejeon. Variables examined were body satisfaction, beliefs regarding weight control, body image, nutrition knowledge, nutritional attitudes, dietary behavior and dietary intake. A cross-sectional survey was employed, and data was analyzed using t-test and chi-square teat (at $\alpha$=0.05). The average height, weight, and body fat (%) of subjects were 160.2cm, 52.4kg, and 25.9%, respectively. Those who attempted weight control were 61.7% of the samples, suggesting that weight control was quite popular among adolescents. Students in the weight control attempt group were more satisfied with their body size (p<0.001), and showed more distorted body image than those in the no weight control attempt group (p<0.001). Most of beliefs regarding weight control were also different in the two groups. The attempt group believed more strongly in the advantages of weight control, and believed less strongly in the harmful effects or difficulties associated with weight control. Although there were no differences in nutrition knowledge in the two groups, nutritional attitudes were slightly more favorable in the attempt group (p<0.01). In contrast, eating behaviors, such as those related to caloric intake (p<0.001), body image (p<0.001), and specific situations (p<0.01) were more desirable in the no-attempt group than in the attempt group. In addition, dietary intake of the attempt group was less adequate than that of the no-attempt group for nutrients such as iron (p<0.01), vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C(p<0.05). This study suggests that adolescents who attempt control weight have a more distorted body image and inadequate diet and showed more undesirable eating behaviors. Students should be taught and practice desirable methods of weight control. Educational programs should also include strategies for changing beliefs regarding weight control, as well as modifying diets and eating behaviors.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.695-705
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• 2004

The risks of the metabolic syndrome (MS) is known to be related to the dietary behavior. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the relative risks of MS and the dietary habit and to provide the ideal dietary habits for prevention of chronic disease of the middle-aged. Healthy subjects aged 40-64 years (male n=122, female n=173) were recruited throughout Seoul area. MS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria except central obesity, and Asia-Pacific Area criteria for central obesity (2000) was adapted. Subjects were stratified into 3 groups according to the number of total risk factors:'MS group' was defined as the subjects who have three or more risk factors, 'Risk group' was defined as ones to have one or two risk factors, and 'Healthy group' defined as ones with no risk factor. In this study, 'Health group' comprised of $40.7\%$, the percentage of 'Risk group' was $49.0\%$, and the 'MS group' was $9.5\%$ of the total subjects. The MS incidence was associated with low education (p<0.001), low economic status (p<0.05), and low self-assessed health recognition (p<0.05). The risk of MS increased with adverse life styles such as cigarette smoking (p<0.05), irregular meal time (p<0.05), skipping lunch (p<0.05), low interests in balanced diet (p<0.05), and higher salt intake (p<0.01). Healthy group self-evaluated nutritional knowledge more highly (p<0.05) and scored higher nutritional knowledge (p<0.001). However, there was no difference in overall nutritional behavior among the three groups, which implies that nutritional education method should be developed for the subjects to practice their teaming efficiently.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.317-327
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate Chinese female marriage immigrants' dietary life after immigration to Korea, focusing on comparison between Han-Chinese (traditional Chinese) and Korean-Chinese (Chinese of Korean descent). Methods: An in-person survey was conducted with women married to Korean men, having one child or more aged 1-6 years old, and having resided in Korea for at least one year before the survey. The data were collected from the 309 respondents comprising 151 Han-Chinese and 158 Korean-Chinese in the summer of 2013. Results: Overall, there was no significant difference in dietary practice, dietary acculturation, dietary behavior, dietary habits, and food intake between the Han-Chinese and the Korean-Chinese respondents. Over 50% of the respondents ate Korean food every day. The overall level of dietary acculturation was about 3.5 out of 5 points. The average score of healthy dietary behavior was a little bit higher than 3 out of 5 points. Approximately 3/4 of the respondents showed increasing frequency of eating out. The respondents reporting increase food diversity were over 70%. Decreased frequency of skipping meal was about 60% of the respondents. Over 50% of the respondents showed increasing consumption of Kimchi, vegetables, fruit, and meat. Conclusions: Dietary life of Korean-Chinese female marriage immigrants was similar to that of Han-Chinese female marriage immigrants after immigration to Korea. The results from this study suggest that not only Han-Chinese but also Korean-Chinese should be targeted in various diet-related acculturation support programs as important multicultural populations in Korea.