• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.335-343
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the food behavior and nutritional status of elementary school students in the Jeju area using Nutrition Quotient (NQ). Methods: The subjects were 440 students (235 boys and 205 girls) in the fifth and sixth grade at four elementary schools located in Jeju. Demographic, lifestyle, and environmental information was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The food behavior checklist for children's Nutrition Quotient (NQ), consisting of 19 items, and nutrition education related information were also obtained. Results: The mean score of the children's NQ was poor, reaching 60.3 points. The percentage distribution of NQ grade was 19.8% (lowest), 18.6% (low), 45.0% (medium), 10.7% (high), and 5.9% (highest) and the factor scores for balance, diversity, abstinence, regularity, and practice were 56.6, 68.4, 71.3, 57.4, and 54.8 points, respectively. Compared with the NQ cut-off points for defining malnutrition (balance; 57, diversity; 87, abstinence; 66, regularity; 69, and practice; 67 point), average score of abstinence factor was only above the cut-off point and scores of the other factors were below the cut-off point. Subjects with higher NQ scores tended to have higher levels of exercise activity (p < 0.001), frequency of family meals (p < 0.01), and father's educational levels (p < 0.01) compared to those with lower NQ score. NQ score showed positive association with nutrition education experience and practice (p < 0.001). Conclusion: NQ score of elementary school students residing in Jeju was lower than the national average. More opportunities should be provided for participation in nutrition education, which incorporates a range of program strategies, as well as communication and education activities.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.111-124
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The current study was conducted for evaluation and comparison of dietary behavior and food intake in different regions of Lao PDR. Methods: The survey was conducted on 979 people aged 40~59 years old living in 25 urban provinces and 25 rural provinces in four districts (VTE Capital-Chanthabuly, Xaysetha, VTE Province-Phonhong, and Thoulakhom) of Laos. General demographic information, health status, and dietary behavior were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: The literacy ratio (p = 0.000), education level (p = 0.000), asset ownership level (p = 0.000), and government and private employee ratio (p = 0.000) were higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. The mean value of weight (p = 0.000), waist circumference (p = 0.000), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.009) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.000), self-rated health status (p = 0.001), and the rate of obesity (p = 0.000) were significantly higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. However, the rate of current smoker was significantly higher in the rural group (p = 0.023). Meals are becoming more westernized by higher frequency of eating out, consumption of fatty meat and fried or stir-fried food in urban areas compared to rural areas. Urban subjects had relatively better balanced meals compared to rural subjects whereas they consumed insufficient meals per day and consumed meals irregularly compared to rural subjects. Intake of fruit and milk was significantly higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. However, the intake of vegetables was significantly higher in rural areas than urban areas. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the traditional Lao diet is being replaced by an unhealthy western dietary pattern, which may be a risk factor for increasing development of non-communicable disease (NCD) in Lao PDR. Planning of proper personalized nutritional intervention and education in each area is needed to decrease the health risks of NCD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.261-275
• /
• 2013

This study was designed to investigate the relationships of depressed mood with obesity, blood and urinary compositions, and dietary habits in Koreans at the age of 40, a critical transition to the middle adulthood stage. A total of 27,684 people who have taken the Life Transition Period Health Examination at the Korea Association of Health Promotion in 2011 were divided into two groups; the depressed mood group (DG) and the non-depressed group (NG) according to results of the primary questionnaire for mental health. The results were analyzed using the health examination criteria of the National Health Insurance Corporation. Women and medicaid recipients showed higher incidence of depressed mood than men and health insurance subscribers. People with underweight in BMI or abdominal obesity showed correlation with depressed mood, while there was no significant relationship with metabolic syndrome. Regarding blood and urinary compositions, DG was related to a higher level of hemoglobin and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride, although the relationships diminished after adjustment for other confounder effects. According to dietary habits, more people in DG were categorized as a group for "Needs Much Improvement", and the odds ratio of the depressed mood showed a significant increase. Significant difference regarding the frequency of food items such as milk products, animal proteins, Kimchi, and fruits was observed between DG and NG. In addition, a higher portion of subjects in DG did not consume regular meals and various kinds of food. In conclusion, the depressed mood of 40 year-old adults was significantly related to underweight, higher waist measurement, and undesirable dietary habits. Results of our study can be applicable as a basic resource for development of effective nutrition counseling and education programs for improvement of mental health promotion during the critical transition to the middle adulthood stage.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.167-179
• /
• 2015

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the association between intakes of potassium, magnesium, and calcium and diet quality in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: This study analyzed data from 285 subjects recruited from February 2011 to August 2014 in Seoul, Korea. Nutrition intakes were obtained from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire composed of 111 food items. The subjects were divided into 4 groups by quartiles according to intakes of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ), Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), and DQI-International (DQI-I) were analyzed for assessment of diet quality. Results: We found a positive association of intakes of these three minerals with MAR and DQI-I after adjustment for age, sex, education level, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and total energy intake. However, total moderation of DQI-I score in the Q4 group was significantly lower than that of the Q1 group. The age, sex, education level, and smoking, atrial fibrillation, and total energy intake-adjusted odds ratios of extensive cerebral atherosclerosis were inversely associated with intake of magnesium (Ptrend = 0.0204). However, this association did not exist with intakes of potassium and calcium. Conclusion: Potassium, magnesium, and calcium rich and high quality diet could be associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke, in part, via effect on extensive cerebral atherosclerosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.223-233
• /
• 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the dietary habits and perception of vegetable intake of elementary students in Gwangju and Jeonnam Gokseong county. Data collection was conducted from 5th and 6th grade students of elementary schools in Gwangju and Jeonnam Gokseong county using a structured questionnaire survey. The SPSS program was used for statistics processing and data analysis. The chi-square test was also conducted. In terms of dietary intake habits, female students consumed their meals slower than male students. Information on dietary habits and nutrition was commonly obtained from family, including the mother or father who commonly prepared meals at home. Snacks were commonly consumed less than twice daily, with the Gwangju area having a higher frequency of snacks than the Jeonnam area. Elementary students indicated that vegetables were their least favorite food, with female students having a higher interest in vegetables than male students. The pattern and perception of vegetable intake came when the students (that did not eat vegetables) were lectured by their parents on the nutritive value of vegetables. Most students understood the important nutritional ingredients of vegetables. In the case of an interest in vegetables, the Gwangju area showed significantly more comprehension than the Jeonnam area on the definition and role of dietary fiber, the dental benefits of dietary fiber, and the identification of the environment-friendly certification mark.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.43 no.10
• /
• pp.1607-1613
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate intake of protein supplements by university students majoring in physical education. Intake experience rate, reasons for intake, purchasing place, effectiveness, satisfaction level, and side effects were analyzed using a questionnaire. Of 476 students, those who consumed protein supplements were 198 (41.6%). Male's intake experience rate was significantly higher than that of females, and members of health-related clubs also consumed more protein than non-members. The main purchasing place was internet shopping malls, and users obtained information from their friends or upperclassmen. The most frequently consumed protein supplement was 'WPH', and the most frequent reason for intake was 'building muscle or maintaining body shape'. For effectiveness, 'normal' was 49.0% and 'effectiveness' was 33.3%. For satisfaction, 'satisfaction' was 45.5% and 'normal' was 43.4%. The rate of side effects was 44.9%, and digestive issues such as diarrhea and indigestion were observed with high frequency. The results of this study show that education is needed for nutritional knowledge, adequate intake, and side effects of protein supplements.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.772-783
• /
• 2014

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between depressed mood and life style patterns, including smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical inactivity in Koreans aged 40 years, which is a critical life transition period. Based on the Life Transition Period Health Examination at the Korea Association of Health Promotion conducted in 2011 (n=27,684), participants were categorized into a depressed mood group and a non-depressed mood group based on the results of the Primary Mental Health Questionnaire. The depressed mood group showed higher tendency for smoking compared to the non-depressed mood group. Current and ex-smokers were about twice as likely to have a depressed mood as the non-smokers. The prevalence of nicotine dependency was significantly higher in the depressed mood group. The number of days and amount of alcohol consumption were significantly correlated with depressed mood. The prevalence of alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse was higher in the depressed mood group than in the non-depressed mood group. The frequency of high-intensity exercise per week was negatively correlated with the number of people with a depressed mood. This study showed the significant relationships between depressed mood and smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical activity in adults during an important life transition period. This implies that the development of proper lifestyle intervention or education may be needed to prevent depressed moods in this age group.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.331-340
• /
• 1997

This study was performed by questionnaire to investigate the recognition, preference and intake of calcium and related food behaviors of high school and college students (males 200, females 200) in the Daegu area. The daily intake was determined by a 24-hr dietary recall method. The results were summarized as follows: The recognition score of calcium of the subjects was male 10.46, female 11.54, respectively. Also the preference score of calcium source foods of the subjects was male 3.40, female 3.51. The students preferred yoghurt, ice cream, sweet potatoes and milk, in the order, but they disliked beans boiled in soysauce, sesame seeds and cheese. The frequency of calcium source foods were remarkably low. Milk products were the most preferred and eated calcium source food. A day's calcium intake was 54.1-61.1% of RDA for Koreans. The meal skipping, diet and nutrition consideration ratio of the subjects were 66.5, 13.3, 20.0% respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the recognition and preference scores of calcium.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.51 no.3
• /
• pp.228-241
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The health risk of women increases after menopause. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a public health center-based nutrition education program for hypertension in women older than 50 years of age. Methods: The program included 8-week nutrition education and 8-week follow-up with keeping a health diary and nutrition counseling. The program was evaluated three times: before and after the nutrition education, and after the follow-up. The subjects were classified into hypertensives (n = 44) or normotensives (n = 71). Results: The rate of taking antihypertensive drugs in the hypertensive group was 86.4%. The systolic blood pressure decreased in the hypertensive and normotensive groups after nutrition education (p < 0.05). The body weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), and percent body fat (p < 0.01) were also decreased after nutrition education in both groups. The hypertensive group showed an increase in HDL-cholesterol level (p < 0.001) and decreases in triglycerides (p < 0.01) and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05) levels after completion of the program. The normotensive group also displayed significant changes in HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001) and triglycerides (p < 0.01). The dietary habits and nutrition knowledge on sodium and hypertension were improved in both groups (p < 0.001). The total score of dietary behavior related to the sodium intake was improved in the normotensive group (p < 0.001). The total score of the high sodium dish frequency questionnaire decreased in both groups after nutrition education and completion of the program compared to that before the program. Decreases in the consumption frequencies of noodles, pot stews and stews, Kimchi, and beverages were significant. The total self-efficacy score was increased in both groups by the program (p < 0.001). In particular, the hypertensive group showed improvement in all items. Conclusion: This public health center-based nutrition education program may contribute to the prevention and management of hypertension and chronic diseases in women over 50 years of age.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.36 no.12
• /
• pp.1560-1570
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences according to lifestyle in anthropometric measurement, dietary attitude, health-related behaviors and nutrient intake among the college students. The subjects were 994 nation-wide college students (male: 385, female: 609) and divided into 7 clusters (PEAO: passive economy/appearance-oriented type, NCPR: non-consumption/pursuit of relationship type, PTA: pursuit of traditional actuality type, PAT: pursuit of active health type, UO: utility-oriented type, POF: pursuit of open fashion type, PFR: pursuit of family relations type). A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self administered questionnaire, and the data were collected via Internet or by mail. The nutrient intake data collected from food record were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program. Data were analyzed by a SPSS 12.0 program. Average age of male and female college students were 23.7 years and 21.6 years, respectively. Most of the college students had poor eating habits. In particular, about 60% of the PEAO group has irregularity in meal time. The students in PAH and POF groups showed significantly higher consumption frequency of fruits, meat products and foods cooked with oil compared to the other groups. As for exercise, drinking and smoking, there were significant differences between PAH and the other groups. Asked for the reason for body weight control, 16.2% of NCPR group answered "for health", but 24.8% of PEAO group and 26.3% of POF group answered "for appearance". Calorie, vitamin A, vitamin $B_2$, calcium and iron intakes of all the groups were lower than the Korean DRIs. Female students in PTA group showed significantly lower vitamin $B_1$ and niacin intakes compared to the PFR group. Therefore, these results provide nation-wide information on health-related behaviors and nutrient intake according to lifestyles among Korean college students.