• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.511-516
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine contribution of meal frequency, self-efficacy for healthy eating, and availability of healthy foods towards diet quality of adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was conducted among 373 adolescents aged from 13 to 16 years old. Diet quality of the respondents was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index for Malaysians. Meal frequency, self-efficacy for healthy eating, and availability of healthy foods were assessed through the Eating Behaviours Questionnaire (EBQ), self-efficacy for healthy eating scale, and availability of healthy foods scale, respectively. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents (80.7%) were at risk of poor diet quality. Males ($mean=34.2{\pm}8.2%$) had poorer diet quality than females ($mean=39.9{\pm}9.0%$) (t = -5.941, P < 0.05). Malay respondents ($mean=36.9{\pm}8.7%$) had poorer diet quality than Indian respondents ($mean=41.3{\pm}10.0%$) (F = 2.762, P < 0.05). Age (r = 0.123, P < 0.05), self-efficacy for healthy eating (r = 0.129, P < 0.05), and availability of healthy foods (r = 0.159, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with the diet quality of the respondents. However, meal frequency was not correlated with the diet quality of the respondents. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being a male, being a Malay, low self-efficacy for healthy eating, and low availability of healthy foods contributed significantly towards poor diet quality among respondents. CONCLUSIONS: In short, sex, ethnicity, self-efficacy for healthy eating, and availability of healthy foods were associated with diet quality among adolescents. Health practitioners should take into consideration of differences in sex and ethnicity during implementation of nutrition-related intervention programs. Self-efficacy for healthy eating and availability of healthy foods should be included as important components in improving diet quality of adolescents.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.1193-1201
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was aimed to identify the factors that influence eating behaviors in coronary artery disease patients and to create data for nursing which is thought to improve the eating behavior. Method: The study population was coronary artery disease patients who were treated on an outpatient basis. The measurements were eating behavior, diet self-efficacy, perceived-benefits, perceived-seriousness, family support and medical team support. All of the measurement tools above were thoroughly modified to verify validity and reliability. Statistical analysis was done by the SPSS PC 12.0 program. Results: The influencing factors for the eating behavior was diet self-efficacy (${\beta}=0.476$), social support (${\beta}=0.253$), chest pain (${\beta}=0.177$), smoking (${\beta}=-0.173$) and regular exercise (${\beta}=.169$), which explained 46.2%. Conclusion: Eating behaviors of coronary artery disease patients were influenced by diet self-efficacy, family support and the presence of chest pain. Therefore, the development of a program for efficient dietary education that prevents the progression of coronary artery disease is needed.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine beliefs, self-efficacy and eating behaviors by the stages of change in vegetable consumption among college students (n = 297). A survey was conducted to examine study variables, and subjects were categorized into three groups based on the stages of change: precontemplation/contemplation stage (PC/C), preparation stage (P), action/maintenance stage (A/M). Subjects had 3.7 servings of vegetables a day, and vegetable consumption was significantly different by stages of change (p < 0.001). The A/M group showed higher score on beliefs regarding vegetable consumption (p < 0.001) than the other groups, and perceived benefits of vegetable consumption (e.g. cancer prevention) more strongly (p < 0.05). The PC/C group felt more barriers than the A/M group, such as disliking cooking methods, texture of vegetables (p < 0.001), bad taste and bad experience of eating vegetables (p < 0.05). Self-efficacy score was 27.2, with decreasing self-efficacy from A/M to P, PC/C (p < 0.001). The A/M group showed more confidence in nine behaviors such as "eating vegetables during meals" and "replacing menu at home with more vegetable dishes" (p < 0.001) than the other groups. The A/M group had more desirable eating behaviors (e.g, having a variety of foods, eating regularly, consumption of food groups). This study suggests that target population for education and educational strategies be different based on the stages of change. For those in the PC/C stage, education might focus on reducing barriers and increasing self-efficacy. For those in the A/M stage, it is necessary to use strategies to maintain and reinforce behaviors for enough vegetable consumption.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.300-310
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• 2004

Purpose: To compare normal weight children with obese children in terms of family factors, eating habits, and sociocognitive factors. Method: This study compared 217 obese children with 231 normal standard weight children of 4th-6th graders from 7 elementary schools in Kangwon province. The study also surveyed 817 their parents using questionnaires in which familial factors, eating habits, and sociocognitive factors such as dietary self-efficacy, locus of control and self-esteem were included. Result: Obese children had more obese family members, more family members with chronic metabolic disease, and lower breast-feeding rate than normal weight group. Dietary self-efficacy was positively correlated with eating habits and locus of control while no correlation was found with obesity index.. Self-esteem was negatively correlate with obesity index. Both the parents and the childrens eating habits showed significant positive correlation to the obesity index. Conclusion: These results implied familial factors, eating habits, and sociocognitive factors influenced childhood obesity. Thus, further research targeting to positive attitude toward familial dietary practices combined with significant sociocognitive factors, may lead to prevention and effective management of childhood obesity.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.653-662
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• 2008

This study has been performed to analyze nutrition knowledge, dietary self-efficacy and eating habits of the elementary- and middle- school students (n = 342) according to student's stage of regular breakfast or exercise. Middle school students had higher nutrition knowledge than primary school students. Total dietary self-efficacy and dietary habit scores were not different by school year and gender. Nutrition knowledge, dietary self-efficacy and dietary habit scores were positively correlated each other. By the stage of regular breakfast, the pre-contemplation stage comprised 13.6%, contemplation 2.1%, preparation 15.7%, action 11.5% and maintenance stage 59.1%. By the stage of regular exercise, the pre-contemplation stage comprised 20.9%, contemplation 7.3%, preparation 45.6%, action 9.8% and maintenance stage 16.4%. According to the stage of change, movement from the pre-contemplation and contemplation to upper stage increased the dietary self-efficacy score. Dietary habit score increased significantly across the five stages of changes. The results of this study indicate differences in stages of changes in breakfast intake and regular exercise and indicate the need for taking these phases of change into account in nutrition education.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1170-1184
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Skipping breakfast is prevalent in young adult women. This study examined the psychosocial factors and eating behaviors according to the breakfast frequency among female university students. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The subjects were female university students in Seoul, South Korea. A survey was done, and the data from 291 students were analyzed. The subjects were categorized into a high breakfast group (HBG) and low breakfast group (LBG). Analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression were mainly used in data analysis. RESULTS: The subjects had breakfast 3.6 days/week on average. The HBG (47.4%) and the LBG (52.6%) differed significantly in breakfast status, including place, people eating together, breakfast menu, and breakfast preparers (P < 0.001). The HBG agreed more strongly with the advantages of breakfast than the LBG (P < 0.001). The disadvantages/barriers of breakfast were stronger in the LBG (P < 0.001). The HBG felt more confidence in having breakfast (P < 0.001) and confidence in general eating behaviors (P < 0.05). The two groups also differed in the subjective norms from parents/professionals (P < 0.001) and siblings/friends (P < 0.01). The HBG showed desirable eating behaviors more frequently (P < 0.001) and undesirable eating behaviors less frequently (P < 0.001). Multiple regression showed that the following were significantly related to the breakfast frequency, explaining 57.3% of the variance: self-efficacy regarding having breakfast (P < 0.001), perceived barriers of breakfast (no appetite/habit/indigestion, P < 0.001), desirable and undesirable eating behaviors (P < 0.01), subjective norms from parents/professionals (P < 0.05), and perceived barriers due to lack of time/preparation difficulties (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial factors and eating behaviors were significantly related to the breakfast frequency. Nutrition education might include strategies to increase self-efficacy for breakfast, modify the beliefs, particularly the disadvantages/barriers of breakfast, adopt desirable eating behaviors, and elicit support from significant others.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.56-63
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• 2009

African Americans in the United States suffer from many health disparities such as obesity, diabetes or hypertension. Lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity play an important role in prevention of these health conditions. The purpose of this research project was to assess beliefs, barriers and self-efficacy of eating a healthy diet and self efficacy of shopping for foods such as whole grains or foods designated as low fat or low sodium. Additionally, the objective was to assess beliefs about healthfulness, appropriate consumption, and protective aspect of specific foods including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The assessment was done using a survey instrument developed for this study. Data collection took place at two church locations. Data were obtained from 57 African Americans, mean age 50 years old (SD 12.70) completed the survey. The majority of respondents (58.1%) were females and most (75%) had at least some college education. Generally, benefits of eating healthy foods received considerably higher scores compared to barriers of eating healthy. A belief that healthy foods would help to take care of one's body received the highest mean score while a belief that healthy foods are too expensive had the highest score from all barriers. The results showed high self-efficacy of eating and purchasing healthy foods, high awareness of knowledge regarding foods associated with disease prevention but low awareness of recommendations for fruits and vegetables. The high scores for benefits, self-efficacy and knowledge regarding eating healthy foods did not translate into the perception of intake of such foods. Most participants believed that they do not eat enough of healthy foods. Interventions design to help African Americans make dietary changes should be culturally relevant and should involved working on a community level utilizing messages that are familiar and relevant to African Americans.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.597-605
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity has increased in recent decades in Korea. This study was designed to examine differences in the eating habits, physical activity (PA), nutrition knowledge, and self-efficacy of children by obesity status. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Subjects were 5th-grade children from 70 elementary schools in 17 cities nationwide. Two-stage stratified cluster sampling was employed. Survey questionnaire included items related to general characteristics, eating habits, PA, nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy. Excluding incomplete responses, 3,531 data were analyzed using SPSS. Subjects were categorized into overweight obesity (OW) and normal weight (NW) groups based on body mass index percentiles for age by sex. RESULTS: A total of 21.5% of subjects was overweight or obese. There were significant differences in gender, perceived stress, perception of body shape, body satisfaction, and interest in weight control between the OW and NW groups (P < 0.001). With respect to eating habits, the OW group ate breakfast (P < 0.05) and snacks (P < 0.01) less frequently, ate bigger meals (P < 0.001), and demonstrated less desirable behaviors during meals (P < 0.05 in boys) compared to the NW group. The OW group participated in less PA than the NW group, especially boys. OW boys spent less time walking during weekdays (P < 0.05) or the weekend (P < 0.001), spent more time being sedentary during weekdays or the weekend (P < 0.001), and exercised a fewer number of days (P < 0.01). For girls, the OW group spent more time being sedentary during the weekend (P < 0.01) and exercised a fewer number of days by walking or bicycle riding (P < 0.05) than the NW group. Nutrition knowledge was not significantly different between the OW and NW groups. Self-efficacy (P < 0.01 in boys), especially PA self-efficacy (P < 0.01), was significantly lower in the OW than NW group. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed differences in eating habits, PA, and self-efficacy between OW and NW children. Obesity management programs for children need to focus on increasing self-efficacy, modifying eating habits, and increasing PA.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.709-720
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of breakfast eating on learning attitude, academic efficacy and self-rated mental health. Survey was carried out with 460 subjects of the 5th grade elementary school student in Daejon area. The study subjects were divided into 3 groups with frequency of eating breakfast defined as an intake of 7 d/wk, 3-6 d/wk and 0-2 d/wk. The results are summarized as follows. The frequency of eating breakfast was 7 d/wk in 52.4%, 3-6 d/wk in 35.4% and 0-2 d/wk in 12.2% of the subjects. The most common pattern of breakfast was the traditional Korean style. The students who have breakfast every day(7 d/wk group) show better learning attitude and academic efficacy(p<.001) and positive on self-rated mental health while 3-6 d/wk and 0-2 d/wk groups were negative(p<.001). In conclusion, regular breakfast eating group shows better learning attitude, academic efficacy and self-rated mental health so that they have positive health status and academic achievement.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.329-341
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine vegetable & fruit (V/F) intakes, beliefs and self-efficacy regarding V/F consumption, nutrition knowledge and eating behavior of elementary students. A survey was conducted to the 4th graders (n = 234) at two elementary schools in Guri, Kyunggi-do. About one-fourth of subjects were overweight or obese. Subjects had 4.2 servings of V/F a day, consuming 340.2 g of V/F. Girls consumed significantly more amounts of vegetables than boys (p < 0.05). Girls were more favorable regarding V/F consumption (p < 0.01), and believed more strongly on advantages of having V/F such as “good for skin” constipation prevention (p < 0.001) and cancer prevention (p < 0.05). Boys felt more strongly in disadvantages or barriers of eating V/F, including mother's cooking time constraints (p < 0.01), lack of past experience of eating V/F, and family members' disliking of V/F (p < 0.05). Girls felt more confident in eating V/F (p < 0.05) than boys; they also felt more confident in specific items of "eating fruits/salads instead of cookies/chips for snack" and "eating fruit juice/vegetable juice instead of soda"(p < 0.01). Subjects showed low level of nutrition knowledge, especially in items such as balanced meals, recommended servings of V/F and vitamin deficiency. Compared to boys, girls had more desirable eating behavior such as eating adequate amount of meals (p < 0.001), having a variety of foods, eating fruits daily, and having fatty foods less frequently (p < 0.05). Intakes of Ca and K were quite below the recommended level, while the intakes of protein, Na and vitamin A intake were much above the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for 9-11 old children. Nutrient intakes expressed as %DRI was higher in girls for vitamin A (p < 0.01), energy and riboflavin (p < 0.05). High V/F consumption group (${\geq}5$ servings of V/F a day) compared to the counterparts showed higher self-efficacy and had better eating behaviors. Nutrition education for children should focus on increasing consumption of V/F, by helping them to increase self-efficacy for eating V/F and to recognize the benefits and reduce the barriers of eating V/F, especially in boys. It is also needed to provide nutrition information for balanced meals or increasing V/F consumption, and help the children to adopt desirable eating behavior.