• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.594-602
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate eating behaviors related to snack and self-purchasing snack (SPS) among elementary school children. Self-administered questionnairs were completed by 352, 5th and 6th grade elementary school students living in 3 different regions which included apartment region in Bundangn, Sungnam (apartment group, n=116), residences in Seodaemun-Gu and Mapo-Gu, Seoul (kang-buk group, n=103) and residence in industrial region in Sungnam (industry group, n=133). The results were as follows: A significantly higher proportion (64.7%) of the apartment group had breakfast every morning than those of kang-buk (48.6%) or industry (52.1%) group (p<0.01). As for the frequency rate of snack and self-purchasing snack (SPS), 53.9% of the subjects answered taking snack more than once per day, 22.8%, once for few days and 23.3%, almost not. However, 15.5% of the subject had SPS once or more per day, 30.7%, 1-2 times per week and 22.4%, almost not. Those of apartment group showed significantly lower SPS frequencies (p<0.01), since higher proportions answered having SPS 1-2times per week (40.9%) and almost not (31.3%) compared to other groups. The reasons for having SPS turned out to be 'hunger' 54.7%, 'being habitual', 15.9%, 'bing bored', 15.7% and 'with peers' 13.7%. When subjects selected SPS foods, they considered taste (31.5%), price (23.0%), mood at the time (14.1%), sanitorial aspect (10.2%) and quantity (10.1%) rather than nutritional aspect (7.2%). Subjects' pocket money was estimated as 3736 won per week and SPS expense per time as 706 won. But subjects who spent more than 2000 won for SPS expense were significantly higher (33.0%) in apartment group than those of other groups (p<0.01). The favorite snack items that subjects having at home were fruit, ice cream, milk and yoghurt, cookies, ramen and bread in order. And favorite SPS items turned out to be ice cream, cookies, duckbokki, frozen bars, gum, chocholate and candy in order. The frequency rate of SPS were evaluated to be significantly related by several variables: those living in apartment area (p<0.01), those taking breakfast regularly (p<0.01), those of normal weight status by Rohrer index (p<0.05) and those receiving less pocket money (p<0.01) showed lower SPS frequency rate.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1147-1155
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• 2014

Adolescence is the most important period of healthy development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the food recognition, snack preference, and dietary behavior of 1st grade of middle and high school boys and girls. Subjects were 5,554 students from 16 schools with healthy tuck shop and 3,406 students from 9 schools without healthy tuck shop in Seoul, Korea. Students from schools with healthy tuck shop are significantly higher than control group for facility satisfaction and hygiene satisfaction (all p<0.05). For fruit, the preference (p<0.05) and recognition (attitude, p<0.001: intention, p<0.05: eating habit, p<0.001: social-environment, p<0.001: self-efficacy, p<0.001) of students in schools with healthy tuck shop are significantly higher than those in schools without healthy tuck shop. For the habit of checking the manufacturer, students in schools with healthy tuck shop were significantly higher than students in schools without healthy tuck shop (p<0.05). The result suggested that we have to create an environment in which fruits can be purchased easily at a tuck shop and to educate adolescents for the importance of healthy food purchasing behavior. In conclusion, healthy school tuck shop had a positive effect on accessibility to healthy food.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.47-59
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• 2015

In this study, we investigated the dietary habits, snacks, and self-purchasing snacks (SPS) intake behaviors of 519 elementary school students (boys=239, girls=280). Obesity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in boys (24.8%) than in girls (14.7%) and the proportion of underweight subjects was higher compared to normal or other weight groups for both the boys and the girls. There were 7.5% of the subjects in the group that always skipped breakfast, and the main reason of skipping breakfast was insufficient time (51.9%). The snack intake frequency was once or twice per week for 23.1% of the subjects and three or four times per week for 25.1%. The SPS intake frequency was the subjects zero for 35.6% of the highest level of the responders, while 6.8% of the respondents took more than once SPS per day. 59.6% of the respondents consumed SPS due to hunger while 15.0% consumed SPS out of boredom. The SPS was purchased from supermarkets in 34.5% of the cases, from convenience stores in 24.1% and from snack corners in 20.0% of cases or from a store near school in 14.5% of the cases. Analysis of SPS behaviors according to obesity index showed that parent's opinion of 'permission to buy SPS as needed' had a significant effect in 64.5% over weight subjects compared to only 53.7% in underweight groups. The subjects who used more than 3/4 of their pocket money to buy SPS was higher in the overweight groups (16.4%) than in the underweight groups (7.0%) and normal weight groups (9.8%). The favorite snacks and SPS were milk and yogurt for 45.7% of the subjects, fruits for 42.7%, ice cream for 26.4%, fruit juices for 23.8%, sweet stuff for 16.4%, frozen dessert for 8.9%, and chocolate or candy for 8.1% in descending order. The intake frequency of milk, yogurt, and fruit juices was higher in the underweight groups, but the intake frequency of sweet stuff, frozen dessert, and chocolate or candy was higher in over weight groups. The intake of frozen dessert was more than four times higher in the overweight groups than in the underweight groups. In conclusion, dietary habits, snacks, and SPS intake behaviors were similar between the boys and the girls and obesity groups, but most students appeared to have a high preference for intake snacks and SPS. Therefore, education for appropriate snacks intake habits will be beneficial for improving their dietary habits and health.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.594-602
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• 2013

This study investigated consumer perception and purchase behavior regarding Han-gwa (traditional Korean confection) in housewives residing in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area. This study was conducted by self-administered questionnaires. Out of 839 questionnaires, 713 questionnaires (85.0%) were used for statistical analyses including frequency analysis, the Chisquare, and one-way ANOVA. Based on the data collected, independence variables were divided less than 40 years (<40), 40s, 50 years or higher (50) by age. The major findings were as follows; Firstly, 72.1% of the total respondents had the experience of purchasing Han-gwa. Gangjeong was the most popular item among purchased. As the purpose of purchasing, holiday gift and snack was on the highest rank. Hypermarkets / discount stores (48.9%) was the most common place for the place of purchase. Secondly, there was a significant difference in the perception of Han-gwa by age; respondents aged 50 years or older showed more positive perception in Han-gwa in 3 factors among total of 11 factors. Thirdly, for the popularization of Han-gwa, 'too sweet taste (44.2%)' and 'small portion size (22.9%)' were pointed to be improved by respondents. Results of this study indicate that 1) Yu-gwa and Yak-gwa require new product development based on age segmentation, and health and food safety are important variables considered when housewives purchase Han-gwa.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.101-110
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• 2000

This study was carried out to investigate the consumer recognition and consumption of Misitgaru(the traditional powder of roast grain). Data were collected from the 605 housewives(average age, 42.9 years old) residing in Chonbuk area by the self-administered questionnaire. The results from this study were as follows. The respondants were generally concerned regarding Misitgaru as a between-meal snack(33%). And there were recognition on Misitgaru as a weaning food(17%), health food(16%), and substitute food(14%). Of the respondants, good consumers of the Misitgaru were high ratio in age below 30 years old and in number of family member between 6 to 7. Among the demographic variables, age, educational level and housing form especially affected the purchasing place and educational level affected the kinds of mixing cereals. The higher the educational level, the more the kinds of mixing cereals. The methods of storage were significantly different according to age and income level. The older in age and higher in income level, the higher the storage at room temperature.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.513-524
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• 2010

This study was designed to examine nutrition label use, self-efficacy, snacking and eating behaviors of middle school students, and to investigate if these characteristics were different by nutrition label use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to 348 middle school students in Kyunggi, Korea. About a third of subjects read nutrition labels when they purchased snacks/packaged foods. Most nutrition label users were interested in reading information on calories, fat and trans-fat. Self-efficacy of eating/selecting snacks or general nutrition behavior was moderate (mean score: 44.4 out of 60), with significantly higher score in nutrition label users compared to nonusers (p < 0.001). Nutrition label users felt more confident in 9 items out of 15 items of self-efficacy, such as "taking fruits instead of cookies/candy for snack" (p < 0.001), "choosing milk instead of soft drink" (p < 0.01), "not having snacks after dinner" and "avoiding processed foods for snacks" (p < 0.05). Subjects had snacks 1.3 times a day, and nutrition label nonusers consumed snacks more frequently than the counterparts (p < 0.01). About 55% of nutrition label users and 64.7% of nonusers mainly purchased snacks for themselves (p < 0.05). Commonly purchased snacks by adolescents were ice cream, cookies/chips, breads and ramen. Major considerations in purchasing snacks were taste (46.9%) and price (34.6%). In selecting snacks, the influence of friends and parents was greater than the other sources. Based on eating frequency of snacks, nutrition label users were more likely to consume healthy snacks, such as fruit juices, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and potato/sweet potato than nonusers (p < 0.05). Eating behaviors measured by 15 items scored 33.6 out of 45. Nutrition label users showed better eating behaviors, such as "eating meals slowly", "eating foods cooked with plant oil", and "eating out less frequently" (p < 0.05). Study results showed that majority of adolescents did not read nutrition labels, selected snacks for themselves and had somewhat unhealthy foods for snacks. This study also showed the differences in self-efficacy, snacking and eating behaviors between nutrition label users and nonusers. In nutrition education, it is necessary to stress the importance and skills for reading nutrition labels. It is also needed to help adolescents to select healthy snacks and have desirable eating behaviors, as well as increasing self-efficacy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.235-243
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• 2003

This study was to investigate the consumer recognition of commercial Sunsik & Saengsik. The data was collected from the 395 married women residing in Seoul and Kyungki area by the self-administered questionnaire. A related purpose was to analyze the nutrient composition and the hygienic safety of commercial Sunsik and Saengsik. The results from this study were as follows. The purchasing and using behaviors were significantly different between two user groups. Sunsik users have generally purchased the products at a discount store(41.0%) as a between-meal snack(36.4%). The products were usually the ones made on the spot(55.0%). However, Saengsik users have purchased the manufactured products-serving size package-(84.0%) at a health foods store(50.7%) as a health food(38.7%). Many of Sunsik users have had Sunsik in water or milk with sugar(40.7%) and 1-2 times a week(40.0%). But Saengsik users have usually had Saengsik in water or milk with honey(38.6%) and everyday(34.7%). According to the analysis on nutrition composition, crude proteins were significantly more rich in Sunsik samples, and crude ashes were more rich in Saengsik samples(p<0.01). Sunsik E and all the Saengsik samples showed the high total viable plate counts of $4.8{\sim}7.0$ log cfu/g. Coliform groups were detected in all the Saengsik and two Sunsik(A, E) samples.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.301-310
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• 2002

In order to investigate the use and recognition of nutrition labelings of processed foods which adolescents frequently purchase, 277(boys 125, girls 152) middle school students and their parents were conveniently selected from the west Chonan City, and were surveyed by self-recording questionnaire on June, 2000. Nutrition labels were indicated only in 14.9% of 222 processed snack foods. At purchasing foods the students considered taste most importantly and in turn price, quantity, and nutrition. Of the subjects 79.4% of students and 89.2% of parents had experiences of reading nutrition labels, and the reasons were mainly to just know contained nutrients(76.8%, 72.1%, respectively) and for their health care(35.9%, 47.8%, respectively). The main reason not to confirm nutrition labels was that they were not interested in nutrition labels. But too small size and rudeness or hardness of understanding was also pointed out as a reason of not reading nutrition labels. The students ranked mineral, protein, and carbohydrate as the most important three nutrients at labelings, while the parents ranked protein, mineral, and calorie. Cholesterol, dietary fibers, and sodium were shown the lowest rank in both students and parents. Significant nutrients for specific processed foods did not well recognised in the students. Conclusively, nutrition labelings should be applied to all processed foods which students frequently buy, particularly in clear and large size. Also it is necessary to prepare education programs for both students and parents about accurate recognition of nutrition knowledge about processed foods and how to use nutrition labels.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.297-309
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the relationship among the use of food-related content (FRC), dietary behaviors, and dietary self-efficacy to demonstrate the need for nutrition education to help adolescents build healthy eating habits and provide evidence for developing nutrition education programs for adolescents. Methods: Three hundred and eighty-one high school students in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas participated in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups (low, medium, and high) according to the level of use of the FRC, and their general characteristics, dietary behaviors, and dietary self-efficacy were analyzed. Correlation analysis was performed between FRC usage, dietary behaviors, and dietary self-efficacy, and the mediating effects of dietary self-efficacy on the relationship between the level of the use of FRC and dietary behaviors were estimated. Results: A higher level of FRC usage was associated with an increased daily cost of eating out and snacking, but no difference was observed in the BMI range. The subjects in a group with a high level of FRC usage ate convenience store or instant foods instead of homemade meals (p = 0.033), had a late-night meal or snack (p = 0.024), and turned to emotional eating under stress (p < 0.001) more than those in the low level group. In addition, the high level group checked the nutrition facts label more carefully when purchasing processed foods (p = 0.016) and exercised at least 30 minutes daily, not considering physical education classes (p = 0.057). The higher level of FRC use, the lower the dietary self-efficacy, whereby the subscales 'environmental stimulus control efficacy' and 'affective factor control efficacy' showed complete mediating effects. Conclusion: Given that FRC has been increased recently, adolescents are in need of support to help them control and enhance their dietary self-efficacy as well as develop healthy dietary behaviors through proper nutrition education programs.