• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.406-414
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine dysphagia risk among community-dwelling elderly people living at home. We also examined the impact of socio-demographic variables on dysphagia risk as well as the relationship between dysphagia risk and dietary characteristics. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study sample included 568 community-dwelling individuals, aged 65 years and above, who were living independently in their own home in Seoul, Gyeonggi, or Gwangju in South Korea. We used a dysphagia risk assessment scale to screen for dysphagia risk and the Mini nutritional assessment to evaluate the nutritional status. Associations between dysphagia risk and other variables were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 568 subjects, 350 (61.6%) were classified into the dysphagia risk group (DR) and 218 (38.4%) were classified into the normal group (non-DR). Being female (odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.28-2.59), being 75 years and older (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.69-3.42), having a lower education level (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.33-3.97), and having a lower perceived economic status (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.32-3.60) were more frequently observed with dysphagia risk compared to those who did not have such characteristics. Lowered mastication ability (OR = 14.40, 95% CI = 4.43-46.95), being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished (OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.75-4.23), lowered appetite (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 2.16-4.93), and decreased food intake (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.83-4.78) were observed more frequently in the DR group than in the non-DR group when adjusting for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop and apply integrated programs to improve the dietary habits and nutritional status of elderly individuals at risk for dysphagia, especially for women aged 75 years or older with lower educational and economic levels.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 1992

This study was carried out to evaluate Korean eating behavior which is highly correlated with their nutritional status, and to analyze the effect of various factors on eating behavior. The above information was used to develop a nutritional status for Korea. The 2000 Korean people were selected with the stratified random sampling method. This study used a questionaire as instrument tool. The questionaire consists of :1) socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects; 2) the valuation of food and nutrition; 3) the concern of food and nutrition; 4) psychological health condition; 5) physical health condition; 6) nutrient consumption status and 7) analysis of eating behavior. Data were analyzed by using a SPSS PC Package. Significant differences and correlation among variables were determined by the t-test, $x^2-test$, ANOVA, pearson's correlation coefficient and Multiple regression analysis. The results of this study can be summarized as follow, All nutrient intakes were significantly correlated with eating behavior score(p<0.001). Factors such as socio-economic status, valuation and concern on food and nutrition, and psychological health condition had significant relationship with eating behavior. But the physical health condition had no significant effect on it. Multiple regression analysis showed that valuation of food and nutrition made the greatest contribution(35.6% explained) and concern made the second greatest contribution(10.5% explained). The third was education level(9.8% explained), and the forth psychological health condition(1.8% explained).

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.39-51
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• 2023

This study utilized qualitative research to understand the changes taking place in adolescent dietary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current status of school-provided nutrition counseling. These, along with barriers and strategies for improvement, were derived from focus group interviews with 10 nutrition teachers. Throughout the pandemic, adolescents experienced various dietary problems, including frequent meal skipping, unbalanced diets, increased obesity, and difficulties building positive attitudes towards food. To resolve these dietary problems, nutrition teachers recognized the need for school-provided nutrition counseling. However, nutrition teachers faced various barriers, such as a lack of time for nutrition counseling among students, lack of support from parents, and insufficient space and resources. To revitalize school-provided nutrition counseling, strategies such as home-connected nutrition counseling, the development of standardized guidelines, manuals for school-provided nutrition counseling, software support for nutrition diagnosis, and implementation of nutrition counseling in connection with cooking activities were proposed. This is important as school-provided nutrition counseling can help develop the foundation for healthy dietary behaviors and health promotion in adolescents.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the associations of food security with socio-demographic characteristics, nutrient intakes and mental health status among older Korean adults. Methods: This study was conducted using data from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects were 4,451 adults aged 65~98 years. Food security was measured using a self-reported question on food sufficiency of subjects' household. Based on the answers, study subjects were classified into secure, mildly insecure, moderately insecure, and severely insecure groups. Dietary intake was estimated by 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient intake was assessed by dietary reference intakes (DRI). As for mental health status, the data on mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were used. Results: Rate of food insecurity in older adults was 14.3%. Old age, being female, low education, low income level, living alone, and discomfort in daily living were more related to food insecurity. Means of nutrient intakes were significantly different according to food security status. Intakes of calcium, potassium, and vitamin $B_2$ were lower than recommended intakes in all groups. Consumption amounts of soy and soybean products, vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, vegetable oils, meats, eggs, seafood, and dairy products were lower in food insecure groups. Mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were higher in food insecure groups independent of the gender and income level. Conclusions: These present findings suggested that food security is related to mental health as well as nutrition status in older Korean adults. A national system that include food and psychosocial support programs for the elderly should be considered in order to improve the overall health of older Korean adults.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.199-211
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• 2014

The increasing elderly population has created an urgent need for well-managed convalescent hospitals, which should provide appropriate clinical nutrition services. The new accreditation policy requiring participation of all convalescent hospitals since 2013 may promote improvement of clinical nutrition services. This study examined whether or not the accreditation policy has increased practice level and dietitians' perception of the importance of clinical nutrition management. Of the 177 convalescent hospitals accredited by January 30, 2014, dietitians from 73 hospitals (41.2%) completed the survey questionnaire. The pre-tested questionnaire surveyed general characteristics of the hospital and dietitians, current status of clinical nutrition management, and changes in the perception and practice levels of various aspects of food and clinical nutrition management. In average, dietitians with more than 5 years of work experience (68.1%) provided food and clinical nutrition services (71.2%). After accreditation, dietitians' perception of the importance and practice level of clinical nutrition service increased (P<0.001). Level of perception, however, was significantly (P<0.001) higher than practice level before and after accreditation. During perception and practice level of initial nutrition assessment, a compulsory accreditation item, notably and significantly (P<0.001) improved after accreditation. The significant difference between perception and practice level disappeared after accreditation. In conclusion, the accreditation process had positive effects on clinical nutrition management in terms of dietitians' perception and practice levels. Making more accreditation items compulsory and providing motivation and professional education to dietitians in convalescent hospitals could lead to additional improvements.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.149-161
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutrition teachers' operation and demand of dietary life education in Jeonbuk Province. The study was carried out using a self administered questionnaire and the subjects were 190 nutrition teachers. The questions were general characteristics of the subjects, operating status as frequency, place, the main use time, and training demand on dietary life education by elementary school and middle & high school, teaching career, and training hours. The results are as follows. Most of the subjects were female(98.9%), more than half were 40's(52.1%) in their age, school work career was 13.2 years. Frequency of the dietary life education operation was once per month(56.8%), 2~3 times per month(27.9%), and place of education were dinning room (49.7%), classroom(25.9%). Almost of the subjects(90.4%) recognized the facilities for education was lack, 89.3% of them did the education materials was lack, also. The desirable frequency of dietary life education was once per month(48.9%), and once per week(35.3%.) The half of the subjects recognized the objects of the dietary life education was not only students but also their parents and teachers. The proper education time was dietary life education tim (34.2%), discretion activity time(31.1%). Most of the subjects(95.7%) had willing to get training, the proper training program was 30 hours, and they prefer summer vacation(61.0%) than winter vacation(30.5%) and semester(8.6%). Proper experimental practice ratio of environment : health : thanks were 30% : 43% : 27%. It is concluded that the demand of nutrition teachers is necessary for their education program in elementary and middle & high school.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.41-59
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among psychosocial well-being, perceived health status and health promoting lifestyle practices. Data has been collected from November 1, 1998 to April 30, 1999. One hundred and ninety eight middle-aged women completed a multiple self-reported questionnaire on psychosocial well-being, perceived health status and health promoting lifestyle profile. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 7.5 for Windows using Pearson Correlation Coefficients, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test. The Major results of this study were as follows: 1. The average item score for psychosocial well-being was low at 54.49, the level of perceived health status was moderate at 5.74, and health promoting lifestyle practices were low at 112.05. Among the subscales of the health promoting lifestyle profile, self-actualization(3.08) and nutrition(2.92) were scored higher than exercise(1.81) and health responsibility(1.79). 2. The performance of health promoting lifestyle was positively correlated with perceived health status(r= .190) and psychosocial well-being(r= .497). Also, positive correlations were observed between perceived health status and psychosocial well-being(r= .181). 3. There were statistically significant differences for health promoting lifestyle, psychosocial well-being and perceived health status according to sociodemographic variables; the performance of health promoting lifestyle was significantly different according to education, economic status, exercise and smoking. Psychosocial well-being was also significantly different according to education, exercise and drinking. Perceived health status was significantly different according to religion, education, occupation and supporter. These findings help to understand relationships among psychosocial well-being, perceived health status, and health promoting lifestyle practices in middle-aged women in Korea. Therefore, the result of this study provide clues for encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles and constructing alternative strategies for promoting health practices.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.137-148
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• 2010

This study was conducted on 175 child-care teachers, who participated in in-service education, to research the methods to improve child-care teacher's nutrition management capability for infants and children. Investigated results of child-care teachers' nutrition knowledge, dietary attitude status, and needs on nutrition education in child-care centers are as follows: The score of child-care teachers' nutrition knowledge was 10.83 points out of 15, which is about 72%. Total score increased as teachers' age but not significantly different from their career duration, since teachers who have a child-care career less than 5 years acquired 10.91 points, which is higher than 10.64 points of teachers having more than 5 years of child-care career. Teachers' average recognition to the nutrition knowledge was 90.6%, increased significantly by the older they are, and decreased according to the accumulation of their career. The average accuracy of the nutrition knowledge was 79.7%, increased in proportion to the teachers' age. The marks of child-care teachers' dietary attitude were 41.3 points (possible score range 5-50) and 83%, older teachers tended to have more desirable dietary attitude. As indicated by the increment of child-care career, the score of emotional attitude tended to be increased but which of cognitive and behavioral attitude showed a declining tendency. Nutrition information which child-care teachers were mainly interested in were correct selection of food (58.1%), obesity and weight management (52.7%), and nutrient content of food (44.9%). Nutrition education contents which child-care teachers needed were 'nutritious food and menu for child' (72.2%), 'health management of child' (69.2%) and meal management of child (40.2%). Nutrition education methods, which child-care teachers considered as of desirable ones, were cooking class of small scale (31.8%), visiting class at child-care center (26.5%). In consequence, the nutrition knowledge and dietary attitude of child-care teachers were not good and showed different issues by age and career duration. Therefore, it is requisite to intensify nutrition management courses in child-care teachers' qualification and in-service education courses which has actual necessity and suitability based on teachers' age, career, and the type of child-care center, and to disseminate these through public health centers and child-care & education information centers to pursue the efficient balance of nutrition education programs.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.419-431
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to investigate nutrient intake and food behavior according to the nutrition knowledge of middle school students residing in Seoul and Kyunggi-do, Korea. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires, including 24-hr recall of dietary intake, were collected from 543 male and female middle school students. They were assigned to one of five groups according to their nutrition knowledge : very high group (VHG ; 90 - 100 score), high group (HG ; 80 - 90 score), normal group (NG ; 70 - 80 score), low group (LG ; 60 - 70 score) and very low group (VLG ; < 60 score), and comparisons were made. The mean age of the subjects was 13.7 years old. The mean height, weight, and BMI of male and female students were 161.9 cm, 52.6 kg and 20.2 kg/$m^2$, 157.0 cm, 50.4 kg, and 20.4 kg/$m^2$ respectively. Female students skip breakfast and dinner more frequently than male students do. Male students skipp lunch and eat fast foods more frequently than females do. Protein, calcium, vitamin B$_1$, vitamin B$_2$, niacin, vitamin C, fat, and animal protein intakes in females are shown to be related to their nutrition knowledge. Calcium, protein, animal protein, vitamin B$_2$and niacin intakes are significantly lower in the VLG than in the others. However, vitamin B$_1$and vitamin C intakes are significantly lower both in VHG and VLG. Fat intake in VHG is lowest. Nutrition knowledge of male students is correlated with mothers knowledge, nutrition attitude and nutritional status. On the other hand, in female students, nutrient consumption was lowest in subjects whose nutrition knowledge was highest and lowest. Therefore, nutrient consumption is affected by nutrition knowledge. However, in female students, possibly due to wrong information on diet or prejudice and outlook, nutrient consumption was low even when they scored high in nutrition knowledge. In conclusion, nutrition knowledge of male students is affected by the mothers nutritional knowledge and attitude. Therefore, nutrition education for mothers is very important. In male students, as their nutrition knowledge is low, their nutrient consumption is affect. These results indicate nutrition education and correct information for body image, balanced diet, regularity of meals and food selection for middle school students are required at both school and home.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.717-727
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• 2015

Although the NutriPlus program has shown considerable evidence of enhancing users' nutritional status, the budget does not cover all eligible mothers and children. This study aimed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the NutriPlus program to assess its economic efficiency. 53 families with 79 users in the NutriPlus program at Daejeon Dong-gu Health Center participated in this study with informed consent. The costs and benefits were estimated from both the administrator's and users' perspectives. We converted the time cost into Korean currency based on the minimum wage in 2014. The value of nutrition education and service (B2), estimated by contingency valuation method (CVM), was counted as an economic benefit. 6 families (11.3%) were recipients of national medical care and 22 families (41.5%) paid 10% of the food package cost by themselves. The total cost was \7,450,167 and the total benefit was \12,402,239. The budget for the health center (C1+C2+C3+C4) was \5,984,381 a month. Time and transportation cost for receiving nutrition education (C6) differed significantly according to the economic status of families. Household food consumption increase (C4-B4) was 40,379 in the poverty group, which was four times more than in the other groups. The net benefit (B-C) was \4,852,172 and the B/C ratio was 1.66. Therefore, the NutriPlus program is beneficial in the economic aspect as well as in the nutritional aspect. If the enhancement of nutritional status was also considered, the total benefit would be even higher. These results confirm the legitimacy of a secure budget for the NutriPlus program. And we suggest expanding its budget to cover more eligible individuals to improve people's health and welfare.