• Health Policy and Management
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.22-30
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• 2015

Background: This study investigated the health behaviors of North Korean, multicultural, and Korean family adolescents in Korea. Methods: The study subjects were from the Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey (2011-2013) dataset. We identified 1,954 multicultural family adolescents and twice as many Korean family adolescents. Frequency analysis was used to assess nativity and nationality of the parents, and the chi-square test was used to compare the general characteristics and health behavior of the multicultural and Korean families. Conditional multiple logistic regression was used to compare health behavior between multicultural and Korean families. Results: Of the 5,862 multicultural and Korean family adolescents, current smoking in North Korean family adolescents was higher than Korean family adolescents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60-3.35) after adjusting for sex, school year, perceived school record, family structure, father's education, mother's education, perceived economic status, place of residence, and survey year. A high drinking rate was significantly greater in North Korean family adolescents compared to Korean family adolescents (aOR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.89-4.57). Odds ratios for sufficient physical activity of vigorous intensity (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.31-2.54) were significantly higher in North Korean family adolescents than in Korean family adolescents. Fast food intake (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.34-2.86) was significantly higher in North Korean family adolescents compared to Korean family adolescents. Conclusion: There were differences in health behavior between North Korean, multicultural, and Korean family adolescents. Further studies are needed to investigate the factors associated with these differences.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1295-1303
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• 2013

According to facts revealed up until the present, there are a total of 68 known phyla on earth, including 55 phyla of bacteria and 13 phyla of archaea. The human large intestine has 9 phyla of microorganisms, which is a relatively lower diversity compared to the general environments of soil or sea. The diversity of intestinal microorganisms is affected by the characteristics of the host (genetic background, sex, age, immune system, and gut motility), the diet (non-digestible carbohydrates, fat, prebiotics, probiotics), and the intake of antibiotics, which in turn have an effect on energy storage processes, gene expressions, and even metabolic diseases like obesity. Probiotics are referred to as living microorganisms that improve the intestinal microbiota and contribute to the health of the host; in addition, probiotics usually comprise lactic acid bacteria. Recently, bacteriotherapy using probiotics has been utilized to treat sicknesses like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Prebiotics are a food ingredient which can selectively adjust intestinal microorganisms and which comprise inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, and lactulose. In recent days, attention has been paid to the use of dietary cellulose in the large intestine and the production of short chain fatty acids (short-chain fatty acids) in relation to obesity and anticancer. More research into microorganisms in the large intestine is necessary to identify specific microorganism species, which are adjusted by diverse non-digestible carbohydrates, prebiotics, and probiotics in the large intestine and to understand the connection between sicknesses and metabolites like short chain fatty acids produced by these microorganism species.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.428-442
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• 2011

This study investigated the actual status of constipation. In total, 978 female students in Korea participated. We identified the relationship among constipation and life style, clothing patterns, housing patterns, dietary habits, and dietary intake in a constipation symptom group and a normal group. The actual constipation rate based on the Rome II criteria was 27.0% (n = 264). Body weight (p < 0.05) and body mass index (p < 0.05) in the constipation group were significantly higher than those in the normal group. The incidence of functional bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome in the constipation group were significantly higher than those in the normal group. The discomfort of wearing underwear was significantly higher in the constipation group than that in the normal group. The constipation group revealed a significantly higher rate of irregular dietary habits than those in the normal group. The dietary diversity score of the normal group was 4.22 (p < 0.05), which was significantly higher than that of constipation group (4.12). No significant difference in life style factors was observed. It is necessary for university female students to correct their dietary habits, maintain food intake of three times per day, and select diverse foods. Furthermore, it is necessary for university female students to wear comfortable clothing to lessen symptoms and improve constipation rates.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.330-341
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary habits, food intakes, nutrient intakes, and diet quality of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a health screening and promotion center. Methods: The total number of study subjects was 10,111 adults, where 3087 subjects (30.5%) were diagnosed as NAFLD. The dietary intakes were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire. They were then compared with the dietary reference intakes could be used in the future for development of diet and nutrition guidelines s (KDRIs). Results: Mean age of subjects in the normal group was $52.9{\pm}10.3yrs$ and body mass index (BMI) was $22.4{\pm}2.6kg/m^2$, and those of the NAFLD group were $55.1{\pm}9.2yrs$ and $25.4{\pm}2.9kg/m^2$. BMI, blood pressure of the NAFLD group were significantly higher than those of the normal group. The rates of skipping breakfast, overeating, and eating out were significantly could be used in the future for development of diet and nutrition guidelines er in the NAFLD group (p < 0.05, p < 0.000, p < 0.000 respectively). The speed of eating was fast in the NAFLD group (p < 0.000). The NAFLD group consumed significantly higher amounts of grains, meats, fish, seaweeds, kimchies, sugars, sweets, coffee, teas, and oils compared to the normal group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, intakes of starch products, fruits, milk, and milk products were significantly lower in the NAFLD group compared with those of the normal group (p < 0.05). Riboflavin, calcium, and dietary fiber nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) of the NAFLD group were significantly lower than those of the normal group. The Korean's dietary diversity score (KDDS) of the NAFLD group was lower than that of the normal group. Conclusion: In conclusion, we suggest that diet guidelines, such as increasing the intake of calcium and dietary fiber, reducing the intake of energy, fat, and simple carbohydrates, are necessary to improvement of NAFLD. The results could be used in the future for development of diet and nutrition guidelines for NAFLD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.87-102
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a valid instrument for measuring the dietary quality and behaviors of Korean elderly. Methods: The development of the Nutrition Quotient for Elderly (NQ-E) was conducted in three steps: item generation, item reduction, and validation. The 41 items of the NQ-E checklist were derived from a systematic literature review, expert in-depth interviews, statistical analyses of the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, and national nutrition policies and recommendations. Pearson's correlation was used to determine the level of agreement between the questionnaires and nutrient intake level, and 24 items were selected for a nationwide survey. A total of 1,000 nationwide elderly subjects completed the checklist questionnaire. The construct validity of the NQ-E was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, LISREL. Results: The nineteen checklist items were used as final items for NQ-E. Checklist items were composed of four-factors: food behavior (6 items), balance (4 items), diversity (6 items), and moderation (3 items). The standardized path coefficients were used as the weights of the items. The NQ-E and four-factor scores were calculated according to the obtained weights of the questionnaire items. Conclusion: NQ-E would be a useful tool for assessing the food behavior and dietary quality of the elderly.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.621-633
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• 2008

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established independent risk factor for cerebral infarction (CI). Additionally, the DM as well as CI are influenced significantly by health-related behaviors and diets. The aim of this study was to compare the food habits, nutrient intakes, and dietary patterns and quality in DM patients with CI (DM-CI) and without CI. This study was accomplished with 68 subjects (DM-CI group = 28, DM group = 40). Health-related behaviors, food habits, nutrient intakes and dietary quality were investigated. As a result, the mean ages and durations of diabetes in DM-CI and DM groups were $65.6{\pm}9.2$, $10.9{\pm}8.5$ and $69.2{\pm}3.0$, $9.7{\pm}8.4$ years, respectively. The health-related behaviors such as, smoking, alcohol drinking, and regular exercising in both groups were significantly different (p < 0.05) showing the number of subjects who were smoking and drinking alcohol was significantly higher in DM-CI group and the opposit result was seen for exercise. In male subjects, the intake of carbohydrate and sodium of DM-CI group were significantly higher than those of DM group (p < 0.05). In female subjects, the intake of calorie, carbohydrate, fat, sodium, and cholesterol were significantly higher in the DM-CI group (p < 0.05). Daily intake of vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, folate, vitamin C, and calcium were significantly higher in DM group (p < 0.05). In the comparison with the dietary reference intake for Koreans (KDRI), vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, folate, and calcium intakes were lower in DM-CI group whereas calcium and zinc intakes were in DM group. Moreover, index of nutritional quality (INQ) of vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin C, folate, and calcium were lower significantly in DM-CI group (p < 0.05). Dietary quality including dietary diversity score (DDS), GMVDF (grain, meat, vegetable, dairy, fruit), and dietary quality index (DQI) was significantly lower in DM-CI group (p < 0.05). According to the results, diabetic mellitus patients accompanied by cerebral infarction had poorer eating patterns and dietary quality in accordance with poorer health-related behaviors compared with the DM patients without CI.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.203-211
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of aseptic foods (sterilized foods with radiation technology) in cancer patients in Busan. The subjects were 192 cancer patients at a hospital. This study was performed through interviews using questionnaires. Patients had perception scores on the need to develop aseptic foods (4.30 points out of 5.00), use aspetic foods (4.06/5.00), and intake aseptic foods (4.04/5.00). Patients less than 59 years old had significantly higher perception scores than those over 60 years old (p<0.05). The scores on aseptic food indicated the importance of various factors, including sanitation (4.86/5.00), good materials (4.82/5.00), nutritional value (4.79/5.00), unused of monosodium glutamate (MSG) (4.66/5.00), taste (4.61/5.00), and reasonable prices (4.60/5.00). The patients who were college graduates showed significantly higher scores and importance in good materials, proper packaging unit, simple cooking methods, food diversity, and familiar foods (p<0.05). In the aseptic menu items, patients wanted to include seasoned raw vegetables (4.11/5.00), a set menu (including cooked grain, soup, and a side dish) (4.08/5.00), seasoned cooked vegetables (4.04/5.00), low sodium kimchi (3.98/5.00), and fermented sauces (3.92/5.00). The patients with gastrointestinal cancer and other cancers (e.g. breast, thyroid, and renal cancer) had significantly higher necessity scores than lung patients for stew, seasoned raw vegetables, salad, low sodium kimchi, and a set menu (p<0.05).

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.77-88
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• 2014

Purpose: This study analyzed the foodservice satisfaction and menu preference of 506 high school boarding students in Jeju surveyed from July 2-30, 2012 with the aim of providing basic data for improving the quality of boarding food-service management. Methods: The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficients, using the SPSS Win program (version 12.0). Results: Regarding satisfaction with dormitory foodservice, the satisfaction scores for service and hygiene were 3.46 (out of 5 scales), whereas the score for menu quality was 3.26 points. In terms of satisfaction by meal, dinner showed the highest score, at 3.70 (out of 5 scales). The satisfaction scores for breakfast were significantly higher in girls (3.36) than boys (2.93). Regarding intake of meals provided, dinner showed the highest score, at 3.96 (out of 5 scales), whereas breakfast showed the lowest score, at 3.63 points. Intake of lunch and dinner was significantly higher in boys (4.12, 4.17, respectively) than girls (3.72, 3.76, respectively). Regarding the requirements of subjects for dormitory foodservice, 43.4% of subjects selected improvement of food taste and 36.6% of girls chose menu diversity. In terms of menu preferences for main dishes, the students preferred noodles (4.06) and one-dish cooked rice (3.92) to cooked rice (3.66). The subjects preferred beef rib soup (4.10) and Kimchi stew (3.99) in soups and stews. With regard to the menu preferences for side dishes, steamed foods showed the highest score, at 3.95 (out of 5 scales), whereas seasoned foods showed the lowest score, at 2.89 points. The students preferred beef, pork, and chicken to fish and vegetables. The students preferred dessert the most with fruit juices (4.52). Bread and rice cake were more favored by girls, showing significant differences between boys and girls (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Development of a systematic nutrition education program that can encourage practice of proper eating habits is needed. In addition improvement of the quality of boarding school meals through the service of various menus is needed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.320-335
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• 2024

Purpose: This study examined the impact of adolescents' dietary behavior on their quality of life using the nutrition quotient for adolescents (NQ-A) for some high school students in Seoul. Methods: The subjects were 176 high school students living in Seoul. The NQ-A was used to assess the dietary quality, and the quality of life was assessed by categorizing it into life satisfaction, environment, health, participation and safety, leisure activities, and emotional factors using survey questions validated through previous studies. Results: The NQ score of the survey subjects was 49.30 points. Based on the NQ scores, 7.4%, 46.6%, and 46.0% of participants were categorized as the 'high', 'medium', and 'low' groups, respectively. The total NQ score and balance, diversity, and practice factor scores were positively correlated with life satisfaction, environment, health, participation and safety, and leisure activities among the quality of life subscales. Regression analysis showed that the total NQ score was positively associated with life satisfaction, health, leisure activities, and emotions; the moderation factor was negatively associated with life satisfaction and health. The balance factor was positively associated with the environmental factor. The practice factor was positively associated with health, leisure activities, and emotions, and the environment factor was negatively associated with emotions. Conclusion: These results show that adolescents' quality of life is closely related to their diet, so it is necessary to maintain a balanced and varied food intake and desirable eating behaviors to improve adolescents' quality of life. Furthermore, adolescents' quality of life is influenced by other factors. Therefore, further research is needed to assess the quality of life, including dietary factors, as well as physical, emotional, psychological, and social development.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.27 no.6 s.122
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• pp.383-390
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• 2004

This study was conducted in three sites, Si-Hwa Lake, Dongman and Seoman island and Janguyeop island, from march, 1999 to september, 2002. The behaviors of pre-breeding season, territorial behaviors, reproductive ecology, foraging sites and behaviors, and the competition of reproduction and foods between intraspecific or interspecific of Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) were observed in each studying sites. The breeding of Eurasian Oystercatcher started on the middle of April in Si-Hwa Lake and on the middle of May in Dongman and Seoman island and Janguyeop island. For intension of pair bond on pre-breeding season, Eurasian Oystercatcher foraged with pair and behaved male-female chasing flight behavior. The pair foraged with male and female before copulation. If other pairs and individuals approached in feeding site of pair, this pair attacked them with piping calling and intruder chasing flight. If continuos serial behaviors were not observed, the discrimination of male-female chasing flight and intruder chasing flight was difficult. Territorial behaviors classified four types; butterfly flight, calling behavior, chasing behavior, fight behavior. The important foraging sites in Si-Hwa Lake are the land place in Daeboo island, tidal flat of Bangameori, tidal flat a front of a stationary net for catching fishes and tidal flat a front of a view station for bird watching. Eurasian Oystercatcher foraged at tidal flat on low water of the tide and foraged at feeding sites near island on flood tide in Dongman and Seoman island. Eurasian Oystercater in Janguyeop island usually foraged feeding sites near island, because water level was not different between low water of the tide and flood tide. Eurasian Oystercatcher competed on foods of intraspecific and interspecific. They chased for taking foods by force in feeding sites and drove out intruders in feeding sites. The foods interspecific competition happened with Black-tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris). Eurasian Oystercatcher was robbed of foods and attacked by Black-tailed Gull. The individual of food competition with Black-tailed Gull was low foods intake rate comparison with other feeding sites and this individual flied out other feeding sites.