The relationship between eating habits, socio-demographic characteristics and body mass index among undergraduate students from two selected universities, Tanzania

Background: Obesity is a current public health concern for both developed and developing countries. Previous studies have demonstrated that, university students exhibit poor eating habits and gain body weight more rapidly than the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate how socio-demographic characteristics and eating habits relate to body mass index (BMI) among undergraduate students from two selected universities in Morogoro region, Tanzania.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Mzumbe University and Jordan University College. Simple and cluster random sampling were used to select 200 students from the two universities. Questionnaire and Anthropometric measurements were used during data collection. One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regressions analysis were deployed with an assistance of computer software called SPSS.Results: The findings showed that each additional healthy eating habit score was insignificantly associated with 0.043 units decrease in BMI (p>0.05). This study found significant associations between mean BMI and female gender, age and place of origin (p<0.05). The results showed that each additional year of age was significantly associated with 0.495 units increase in BMI and female respondents were having 2.168 higher BMI than males. In addition, respondents from rural had significant lower BMI by 1.59 as compared to their urban counterparts.Conclusions: The study concluded that age, gender and place of origin relate with undergraduate student’s BMI significantly. The study recommend that public health planners and implementers should target age, gender, place of origin as well as eating habit during fighting for obesity among undergraduate students.

Relationship between Home Meal Replacement Use and Eating Habits in Korean Adults in their 20~30s

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between HMR use and eating habits in young Korean adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 575 adults (232 men, 343 women) in their 20s and 30s in Korea. Their use of HMRs (classified as ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and fresh convenience foods) and eating habits were surveyed. The main reasons for HMR use by men and women were convenience (54.7%, 64.4%) and promptness (24.2%, 24.2%), respectively. The most frequent place for HMR purchase was a convenience store (74.1% and 65.0%, respectively). Regarding the frequency of HMR use, 1~2 times a week was the highest for ready-to-eat (40.9%) and ready-to-cook (30.1%), while no eating was the highest for fresh convenience foods (41.0%). HMR preference was the highest (3.8 out of 5 on a 5-point scale) for ready-to-eat, followed by ready-to-cook (3.3 points) and fresh convenience foods (3.3 points). The use frequency and preference of total HMRs, ready-to-eat foods, and ready-to-eat foods were positively correlated with unfavorable eating habits, including unbalanced eating, overeating, salty eating, spicy eating, skipping, and irregular meals. However, fresh convenience foods showed negative correlations with unbalanced eating, overeating, and salty eating. The use frequency and preference of total HMRs, ready-to-eat foods, and ready-to-cook foods were positively correlated with undesirable eating habits. However, fresh convenience food showed a negative correlation with eating habits such as unbalanced, overeating, and salty eating. These results should be considered for favorable food production and consumer guidance to promote healthy food choices.

Adesão aos dez passos para uma alimentação saudável em pessoas idosas / Adhesion of the ten steps to healthy eating by elderly people

Analisar a adesão aos dez passos para uma alimentação saudável em idosos e sua relação com estado nutricional. Estudo transversal domiciliar, com amostragem representativa. Participaram 7.315 idosos com média de 70,4±7,35 anos. Os passos com maior adesão foram o 4 e o 10 e o com menor adesão foi o 9. A média de passos seguidos foi significativamente maior nas mulheres, em maiores de 80 anos e menor nos com sobrepeso. As mulheres apresentaram maior frequência de adesão aos passos 2, 3, 8 e 10. A média da idade dos idosos que seguiram os passos 3, 4, 5, 8 e 9 foi significativamente maior, enquanto a média do IMC foi significativamente maior nos que não seguiram os passos 2, 5 e 8 e nos que seguiram os passos 6 e 10. Ressalta-se a importância do estabelecimento de políticas públicas que abranjam estratégias para a promoção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis em idosos com vistas ao envelhecimento ativo e bem-sucedido.

The adhesion to the Ten Steps to Healthy Eating for the elderly and its relationship with the nutritional state is provided in current transversal study with a representative sampling of 7,315 elderly people, mean age 70.4±7.35 years. The fourth and tenth steps had the best adhesion; the ninth steps had the least one. Mean number of steps was significantly higher in females, in people over 80. Lowest number was proper to overweight people. Elderly females had the highest adhesion frequency rates for steps 2, 3, 8 and 10. Mean number of elderly people that complied with steps 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 was significantly higher, whereas mean BMI was significantly higher in those who did not follow Steps 2, 5 and 8 and followed Steps 6 and 10. The establishment of public policies should be underscored. They would comprehend strategies for the promotion of healthy eating habits in the elderly for a healthy and successful aging.

Práticas alimentares de pacientes em pós operatório de cirurgia bariátrica: revisão integrativa / Food practices of patients in postoperative surgery of bariatric surgery: integration review

Objetivo: Verificar na literatura quais são os hábitos alimentares comuns no pós-operatório de pacientes que foram submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Método: Por meio da questão norteadora "Qual a abordagem da literatura quanto às práticas alimentares adotadas por pacientes após cirurgia bariátrica?", realizou-se uma síntese dos artigos relacionados ao tema, disponibilizados nas bases de dados PubMed, Science Direct, LILACS, Portal de Periódicos Capes e SciELO, considerando autores, ano de publicação, objetivos, instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados e principais achados. Resultados: Foram encontrados 86 artigos, dos quais apenas 13 eram de interesse para esta revisão. A adesão no tratamento nutricional no período pós-operatório é reduzida em função do elevado percentual de desistência, associado ao abandono do estilo de vida saudável devido aos transtornos psicológicos e compulsão alimentar. Observou-se um consumo elevado de açúcares simples e alimentos gordurosos, que costumam levar ao reganho de peso após a realização da cirurgia. Conclusões: Faz-se necessário aconselhamento psicológico e nutricional para que a perda de peso e o pós-operatório ocorram de forma saudável e eficaz. Evidenciou-se a importância de novos estudos sobre as práticas alimentares adotadas por pacientes após a cirurgia, a fim de preservar a saúde dos mesmos.

Objective: The aim was to verify on the literature the common postoperative eating habits of patients who were underwent to bariatric surgery. Methods: A guiding question was made for this study: "What is the approach of the literature regarding dietary practices for patients after bariatric surgery?". A synthesis of articles related to the topic was made, searching in available databases as PubMed, Science Direct, LILACS, Portal de Periódicos Capes and SciELO, considering authors, year of publication, objectives, instruments used for data collection and main findings. Results: Eighty-six articles were found but only 13 were considered of interest to this review. The accession to the nutritional treatment in the postoperative period is reduced due to the high percentage of waiver, associated with the abandonment of healthy lifestyle by psychological disorders and binge eating. There was a high intake of simple sugars and fatty foods, which often lead to weight regained some years after the surgery. Conclusions: Nutritional and psychological counseling are both necessary for a healthy and effectively weight loss in postoperative period. It was evidenced the importance of further studies on feeding practices adopted by patients after surgery, to preserve the human health.(AU)

The mating behavior of Leucothyreus marginaticollis Blanchard, 1843 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) / Comportamento de cópula de Leucothyreus marginaticollis Blanchard, 1843 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)

Abstract In Brazil, there are several species of the genus Leucothyreus Macleay, 1819 occurring throughout the country; however, there are only a few studies describing their biological aspects, times of occurrence, associations of adults and juveniles with native or cropped plants, as well as their mating behavior. Thus, this study aimed to assess the mating behavior of Leucothyreus marginaticollis Blanchard, 1843. The study took place in an experimental area of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Aquidauana, MS, Brazil. Firstly, we sampled adult insects using light traps, from October to November 2013. Simultaneously, we registered the flight period in the field. Afterward, in the laboratory, males and females were separated and then combined into couples for observations of the mating steps. A large number of the adults mated, which lasted on average 22.71 min and occurred from 7 to 11 pm. After mating, part of the males released the females and the other part remained attached to them, which must have happened as an attempt to inhibit other males from mating with them. Moreover, a few females refused to mate with the established male, reinforcing the fact that the pairing of couples occurs after chemical identification among adults. In the field, the largest amount of adults was collected from 8 to 10 pm. Regarding eating habits, adults feed mostly on acerola leaves and flowers (Malpighia emarginata DC, Malpighiaceae), mastic gum leaves (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão, Anacardiaceae), grapes (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae), apples (Malus domestica Borkh., Rosaceae), and bananas (Musa sp. L., Musaceae). To the end of the experiment, we could clarify the mating steps of L. marginaticollis in order to assist in further extraction and identification of sexual pheromone.

Resumo No Brasil várias são as espécies de Leucothyreus Macleay, 1819 que ocorrem nas diferentes regiões, entretanto, poucos são os trabalhos que descrevem os aspectos biológicos, épocas de ocorrência, associação de adultos e imaturos com plantas nativas ou cultivadas, e comportamento de cópula. Assim o presente trabalho apresentou como objetivo estudar o comportamento de cópula de Leucothyreus marginaticollis Blanchard, 1843. Os estudos foram conduzidos na fazenda experimental da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul em Aquidauana, MS, sendo realizadas coletas de adultos com armadilha luminosa de outubro a novembro de 2013. Com as coletas foram analisados os horários de voo em campo, e em laboratório machos e fêmeas foram separados, posteriormente foram formados casais e as etapas que envolvem o comportamento de cópula, verificadas. Vários adultos realizaram cópula, a qual durou em média 22,71 minutos e ocorreram das 19 às 23 horas. Após a cópula o macho se soltava da fêmea ou permanecia sobre essa, provavelmente para impedir que outro macho realizasse a cópula. Algumas fêmeas não aceitaram os machos para cópula, indicando que a formação de casais ocorre após o reconhecimento químico entre os adultos. O horário de maior coleta dos adultos em campo foi das 20 às 22 horas. Adultos podem se nutrir de folhas e flores de acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC, Malpighiaceae), folhas de aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão, Anacardiacea), frutos de uva (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae), maçã (Malus domestica Borkh., Rosaceae) e banana (Musa sp. L., Musaceae), ampliando-se as informações sobre o hábito alimentar dos adultos. Foram elucidadas as etapas relacionadas ao comportamento de cópula de L. marginaticollis, a qual pode auxiliar nos processos de extração e identificação de feromônio sexual.

Effect of working patterns on eating habits in manufacturing workers of Gwangju area / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate and analyze the association between stress from shift and non-shift work as well as the effects living habits have on eating habits in order to identify why and how workers can improve their health and form proper eating habits for higher working efficiency. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 361 workers from K manufacturing company from April 7 to 11, 2014 and they were surveyed using a questionnaire. The subjects were divided into two groups according to working pattern: shift workers (n = 216) and non-shift workers (n = 110). RESULTS: In the general characteristics, there were significant differences in age, work career, work time, marriage, monthly income, and education levels between the two groups. For healthy behaviors, significant differences in subjective health status, moderate physical activity, drinking, smoking, and sleep time were observed between shift workers and non-shift workers. For eating habits, scores of non-shift workers having a regular mealtime, balanced meal composition, and vegetable and seaweed intakes were significantly higher than those of shift workers. The sum score of dietary habits in non-shift workers was also significantly lower than that in shift workers (p < 0.05). Total job stress score did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The sum of eating habit scores according to work types was 16.1 ± 0.6 in non-shift workers and 14.0 ± 0.3 in shift workers. These results suggest that it is necessary to provide food suitable to characteristics of different workers according to work type which should be provided along with daily nutrition counseling to help subjects recognize their status.

Eating Habits and Food Preferences of Elementary School Students in Urban and Suburban Areas of Daejeon

This study investigated the dietary habits and food preferences of elementary school students. The survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire distributed to 4th and 5th grade elementary school students (400 boys and 400 girls) in urban and suburban areas of Daejeon. The results of this study were as follows: male students in urban areas ate breakfast, unbalanced diets, and dairy products more frequently than male students in suburban areas (p < 0.05). Female students in urban areas ate dairy products (p < 0.01) and fruits (p < 0.001) more frequently than female students in suburban areas. Students had the high preferences for boiled rice and noodles with black bean sauce, beef rib soup, steamed beef rib, steamed egg, beef boiled in soy sauce, egg roll, bulgogi, pork cutlet, deep-fried pork covered with sweet and sour starchy sauce, and honeyed juice mixed with fruit as a punch. All students preferred kimchi, although students in the suburban areas preferred kimchi-fried rice (p < 0.05), and those in the urban areas preferred bean-paste soup (p < 0.01). Students in suburban areas showed a greater preference for seasoned bean sprouts and Altari kimchi. All of the students preferred fruits, rice cake made with glutinous rice, and pizza among other foods. Overall, there were distinct differences in the eating habits and food preferences of elementary school students according to the place of residence.

Not Salt Taste Perception but Self-Reported Salt Eating Habit Predicts Actual Salt Intake

Excessive dietary salt intake is related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although dietary salt restriction is essential, it is difficult to achieve because of salt palatability. However, the association between salt perception or salt eating habit and actual salt intake remains uncertain. In this study, we recruited 74 healthy young individuals. We investigated their salt-eating habits by questionnaire and salt taste threshold through a rating scale that used serial dilution of a sodium chloride solution. Predicted 24-hr urinary salt excretions using Kawasaki's and Tanaka's equations estimated dietary salt intake. Participants' mean age was 35 yr, and 59.5% were male. Salt sense threshold did not show any relationship with actual salt intake and a salt-eating habit. However, those eating "salty" foods showed higher blood pressure (P for trend=0.048) and higher body mass index (BMI; P for trend=0.043). Moreover, a salty eating habit was a significant predictor for actual salt intake (regression coefficient [beta] for Kawasaki's equation 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10-2.69, P=0.048; beta for Tanaka's equation 0.66, 95% CI 0.01-1.31, P=0.047). In conclusion, a self-reported salt-eating habit, not salt taste threshold predicts actual salt intake.

Effect of a Diet Program for Adult Women on Body Weight Loss and Health Related Indices / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was carried out to analyze the effect of a diet program for adult women on weight loss, BMI, eating habits, sleeping habits, health related indices. The subjects was 415 participants of the 10 weeks (20 time participation program). The data was collected by basic somatometry and HRV (Heart Rate Variability) / APG (Accelerated Plethysmograph) Analyzer. The average age, height, weight and BMI were 28.6 years, 162.1 cm, 62.8 kg and 23.9 kg/m2, respectively. Their body types by BMI were under weight (1.2%), normal (45.8%), overweight (24.8%), mild obesity (22.7%) and obesity (5.5%). There were significant reductions of average weight (4.6 kg) and average BMI (1.75 kg/m2) on the 10th week. There were positive changes in vascular age (50.4%), stress index (44.6%), fatigue index (43.9%), health index (54.5%) of the subjects during the program. There was a meaningful difference of the average variation for the vascular age, stress index, fatigue index, and health index between two groups; one improving the eating habit and the other did not (p < 0.05), and also there was a meaningful difference of the average variation for the fatigue index in both groups improving the sleeping habit (p < 0.05), but was not a meaningful difference of the average variation for the vascular age, stress index, and health index between two groups. There was a meaningful difference of the average variation for the vascular age, stress index, fatigue index, and health index between two groups improving both eating and sleeping habit (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the weight loss program was effective on the weight loss and BMI reduction and health related indices.

A study on the perception of nutrition labeling among high school boys based on their weight

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between knowledge of nutrition labeling and the effect on eating habits with 300 high school boys in Seoul. The subjects were divided into an underweight (UW) group (BMI or = 23 kg/m2, n = 79) based on their body mass index (BMI). The average age of participants was 17.8 years old and their mean height and weight were 174.9 cm and 66.5 kg. The mean BMI of subjects was 21.7 kg/m2 which fell within the normal range. Seventy six point four percent of subjects perceived nutrition labeling and they acquired the information pertaining to it through TV and internet. The UW group and the OW group obtained it from their parents, relatives and friends, while NW group acquired it from school. There were significant differences among groups in the acquired source of the information on nutrition labeling (p < 0.05). The NW group and the OW group trusted nutrition labeling more than the UW group, but there were no significant differences among them. Forty five point five percent of the UW group and 40.7% the NW group were satisfied with nutrition labeling education, while only 15.8% of the OW group did it. The OW group checked nutrition labeling more than the UW group and the NW group at the point of food purchase. The primary reason for examining nutrition labeling was 'to check nutrient contents' in the UW group and the NW group, while the OW group examined it to improve health including regulation of body weight. There were significant differences among groups with regards to the reason for examining nutrition labeling (p < 0.001). The OW group was aware that nutrition labeling affected their eating habits significantly more than the other groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, application-centered education on nutrition labeling and the strong support of the government is needed in order to improve nutrition labeling use and to apply the information from nutrition labeling into student dietary life.

A Comparative Study on Eating Habits and Eating Attitude of Depressed and Normal Adults : Based on 2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to compare eating habits and food attitudes between depressed and normal adults. The subjects were selected (n = 6217) from those who participated in the 2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV). The subjects were divided into the depressed (DG, n = 841) and normal groups (NG, n = 3969). DG was those who have depression now or who have experienced depressing feelings more than two weeks or per year. The general characteristics, anthropometric measurement, eating habits, the dietary guideline recognition and practices were compared by using chi-square test and t-test. Also the partial correlations were analyzed by SAS (Statistical analysis system, version 9.1) program. There was a significantly higher rate of DG among the female (74.32%), with low education (44.6%) and low-income (32.0%) subjects (p < 0.001). DG showed significantly lower snacking and dining out. There was significantly higher rate of DG who responded "none" in frequency of snack (27.10%) and dining out (29.50%) (p < 0.001). Also DG showed significantly lower rate of the subjects who ate with the family than NG. Also, DG showed significantly lower dietary guideline recognition level and practice than NG. Correlation between depression symptom and various factors showed that positive correlation with low snack intake and dining out frequencies. However, correlation was relatively weak. In conclusion, eating habits and recognition levels and practice of dietary guidelines of DG were significantly different from NG. DG showed significantly lower frequencies of snack, dining out, and eating with family.

Review on Revised Nutrition Guidelines of the Korea National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Infancy and childhood are marked by rapid physical growth and development, and infant's and child's health and development depends on good nutrition. Any disruption in appropriate nutrient intake may have lasting effects on growth potential and development achievement. Nutrition needs and feeding patterns vary significantly in each stage of growth and development. This article summarized the key nutritional issues in the Korea national health screening program for infants and children as followings: encouraging breastfeeding, healthier complementary feeding, healthy foods selection, healthy eating habits, coping with feeding problem (picky eating), and overweight prevention with an emphasis on physical activity.

A Study on Weight Control Behaviour, Eating Habits and Health-related Life Habits according to Obesity Degree by Body Fat Percentage among Middle-aged Women in Gunsan City / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to compare weight control behaviour, eating habits and health-related life habits according to the obesity degree by body fat percentage (%Fat) among middle-aged women. The subjects were 170 middle-aged women who lived Gunsan City, and they were assigned to one of the following groups based on their %Fat; normal weight group (18% - < 28%), overweight group (28% - < 33%) and obesity group (over 33%). The height, body weight, %Fat, the circumference of waist and hip of them were measured. Eating habits and health-related life habits were evaluated based on questionnaires. The results were as follows. Their weight, %Fat, body mass index (BMI), relative body weight (RBW), waist, hip, and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly higher in the obesity subjects when compared to the normal and overweight subjects. Self-perception for weight (p < 0.001), desire for weight control (p < 0.01), and reasons of weight control (p < 0.05) were different among three groups. The main skipped meal was breakfast (67.9%), reasons of skipping meals were different among three groups (p < 0.05), and main reasons were "lose one's appetite" and "have not enough time". Food habits score for each food was not significantly different among three groups, but eating the meal on thinking with food combination in normal group was higher than overweight and obesity group (p < 0.01). Correlation coefficients of food habits score and anthropometric measurements were that salty of food was negative and food habits scores were positive correlation for anthropometric measurements and obesity index (p < 0.05 - p < 0.001). Frequency of exercise and fitting exercise for body were different among three groups (p < 0.05). Obesity group was lower frequency of exercise than the other groups. Regular diet was positive correlation with food combination (p < 0.01), taking fish (p < 0.05), taking vegetables (p < 0.01), taking bean products (p < 0.01) and food habits score (p < 0.01), frequency of eating out and snacks were negative correlation with taking fruits and fishes. Therefore, proper nutritional education for middle-aged women in obesity group is recommended regular diet, good food habits and exercise. The middle-aged women must decrease the frequency of eating out, snack and the salty foods, and increase the fruits and vegetables. They must have healthy life styles for exercise, smoking, and drinking.

A Study on the Eating Habit and Eating Out Behavior of the University Students in the Gyeonggi Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study investigated difference of general eating habit and eating-out behavior between men and women of university students in Gyonggi area. The survey was conducted from 1 March to 1 April 2010, in Gyeonggi area. Self-administered questionnaires were collected from 250 students in Gyeonggi area. The research results show, first of all, that they eat twice a day, and they usually do not eat breakfast. The main reason why they do not eat breakfast is that they do not have enough time to eat. Between men and women, there is significant difference in eating amount and eating speed at 0.001 levels. Men's problems of eating behavior are irregular meal time and speed of eating time, and in case of women, they do not have a meal regularly and overeat at one time. Second, they usually eat out for a meal and gather with friends once to three times a week. Also, the lunch set-menu promotion is the most preferred one. Third, when men choose a restaurant, they consider in order of taste, convenience, amount, and service; women consider in order of atmosphere, taste, convenience, and service. Taste is the most important for men; atmosphere is the most important consideration for women. Taste (at 0.01 levels), sanitation (at 0.05 levels), and atmosphere (at 0.001 levels) are significantly different between men and women in choosing restaurant.

Dietary factors related to body weight in adult Vietnamese in the rural area of Haiphong, Vietnam: the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)

The objectives of this study were to examine the association between dietary factors and underweight and overweight adult Vietnamese living in the rural areas of Vietnam. A cross-sectional study of 497 Vietnamese aged 19 to 60 years (204 males, 293 females) was conducted in rural areas of Haiphong, Vietnam. The subjects were classified as underweight, normal weight, and overweight based on BMI. General characteristics, anthropometric parameters, blood profiles, and eating habits were obtained and dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recalls for 2 consecutive days. A high prevalence of both underweight (BMI or = 23 kg/m2) individuals was observed (14.2% and 21.6% for males and 18.9% and 20.6% for females, respectively). For both genders, the overweight group were older than the under- and normal weight groups (P = 0.0118 for males and P = 0.0002 for females). In female subjects, the overweight group consumed significantly less cereals (P = 0.0033), energy (P = 0.0046), protein (P = 0.0222), and carbohydrate (P = 0.0017) and more fruits (P = 0.0026) than the underweight group; however, no such differences existed in males. The overweight subjects overate more frequently (P = 0.0295) and consumed fish (P = 0.0096) and fruits (P = 0.0083) more often. The prevalence of both underweight and overweight individuals pose serious public health problems in the rural areas of Vietnamese and the overweight group was related to overeating and high fish and fruit consumption. These findings may provide basic data for policymakers and dieticians in order to develop future nutrition and health programs for rural populations in Vietnam.

Development of an Eating Habit Checklist for Screening Elementary School Children at Risk of Inadequate Micronutrient Intake

The purpose of the study was to develop an eating habit checklist for screening elementary school children at risk of inadequate micronutrient intake. Eating habits, food intake, and anthropometric data were collected from 142 children (80 boys and 62 girls) in the 4th to 6th grades of elementary schools. Percentage of Recommended Intakes (RI) and Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) of six micronutrients; vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, and the number of nutrients the children consumed below EAR among the six nutrients were used as indices to detect the risk of inadequate micronutrient intake. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between eating habit scores andinadequate micronutrient intake indices in order to select questions included in the checklist. Meal frequency, enough time for breakfast, regularity of dinner, appetite, eating frequencies of Kimchi, milk, fruits and beans showed significant correlations with indices of inadequate micronutrient intake. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to give each item a different weight by prediction strength. To determine the cut-off point of the test score, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated. The 8-item checklist with test results from 0 to 12 points was developed, and those with equal or higher than 6 points were diagnosed as high-risk group of inadequate micronutrient intake, and those with 4 or 5 points were diagnosed as moderate-risk group. Among our subjects 14.1% was diagnosed as high-risk group, and 30.3% as moderate-risk group. The proportions of the subjects who consumed below EAR of all micronutrients but vitamin C were highest in the high-risk group, and there were significant differences in the proportions of the subjects with intake below EAR of all micronutrients except vitamin B6 among the three groups. This checklist will provide a useful screening tool to identify children at risk of inadequate micronutrient intake.

Dietary Intakes and Eating Behaviors of Vietnamese Female Immigrants to Korea through Marriage and Korean Spouses and Correlations of Their Diets / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study aimed to examine nutritional status and similarities of diets between Vietnamese female immigrants and Korean spouses and dietary changes of Vietnamese females after immigration. Subjects were 608 couples visiting 13 medical centers for the Cohort of Intermarried Women in Korea from November 2006 to November 2007. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were obtained and dietary intakes were assessed using one-day 24-hour recall. Sixty-eight percent of wives answered there have been changes in their diets and consumptions of meats, fish, dairy products, vegetables, and fruits increased after immigration. Energy intakes of wives and spouses were 1491.7 kcal and 1788.8 kcal, respectively, showing most couples (80.1%) consumed less than the Korean estimated energy requirements. More than half of the couples were below the Korean estimated average requirements of zinc, vitamin B2, and folate. The correlation coefficients between couples ranged 0.15-0.38 for unadjusted, 0.22-0.35 for per 1000 kcal, and 0.21-0.40 for energyadjusted, respectively. The proportions of couples in the same quartiles of each nutrient intake and in the same answers of each question of Mini Dietary Assessment were about 30% across nutrients and around 50% across questions. The length of residence is related to similarities of nutrient intakes between couples: similarities decreased after 3 years of residence in Korea. In conclusion, nutritional intakes of inter-married couples were inadequate although wives reported that their dietary intakes increased after immigration. Inadequate nutrient intakes of wives were partly explained by similar diets between couples because these wives without enough adjustment to Korean culture were more likely to follow what their spouses ate. Findings from this study may be helpful to improve the nutritional status of inter-married couples and make policies and programs for them. A follow-up study should identify factors affecting inadequate nutritional status of intermarried couples and similarities of their diets.

Development of an Eating Habit Checklist for Screening Elementary School Children at High Risk of Energy Overintake

The purpose of the study was to develop an eating habit checklist for screening elementary school children at high risk of energy overintake. Dietary habits, food intake, anthropometric data were collected from 142 children (80 boys and 62 girls) in the 4th to 6th grades of elementary schools. Energy intake, fat intake, and percentage of Estimated Energy Requirement (%EER) were used as indices to detect the risk of energy overintake of the children. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between dietary habit scores and energy overintake indices in order to select questions included in the checklist. TV watching during the meal, meal speed, meal amount, overintake frequency, eatingout frequency, snack frequency, frequency of eating Ramyun or fast foods showed significant correlations with energy overintake indices. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to give each item a different weight by prediction strength. To determine the cut-off point of the test score, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated. The 7-item checklist with test results from 0 to 13 points was developed, and those with equal or higher than 5 points were diagnosed as a risk group of energy overintake. Among our subjects 13.4% was diagnosed as the risk group. Mean energy intake of the subjects in the risk group and the normal group were 2,650 kcal and 1,640 kcal, respectively. However, there were no significant differences of Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) of the other nutrients except eating fiber between the risk group and the normal group. This checklist will provide a useful screening tool to identify children at high risk of energy overintake.

The Influence of Weaning Practices on the Eating Habits of Preschool Children

The principal objective of this study was to determine how weaning by mothers of preschool children between the ages of five and seven years influences the children's eating habits and food preferences. The results of this study will help to educate mothers about good weaning practices and facilitate the development of weaning programs by providing basic data on the subject. The results demonstrated significantly positive correlations between children's scores on eating habits and the level of vigorous weaning practices, the consistency of their practice, and the child's reaction to the foods provided (p<0.001). A positive correlation was noted between the frequency of providing solid food and the preference toward the food, with the exception of boiled rice and brightly colored vegetables. Thus, the results of this survey showed that the frequency and variety of solid foods that mothers try to actively provide their young children affect their food preferences and eating habits in general. These conclusions suggest that mothers should be educated about the significance of proper weaning so that their children can develop appropriate eating habits, and that there should be nutritional education for mothers, regarding the best weaning practices.

Evaluation of Eating Habit and Dietary Intake by Family Type of Seniors Utilizing Social Welfare Center in Seoul

The objective of our study was to evaluate the dietary intakes and eating habit for seniors utilizing ten different social welfare centers in Seoul, Korea. The total number of subjects of this study was 543 (male: 199, female: 344) of 60 years of age or older. The survey was performed through personal interview questionnaires from May 3rd to June 1st 2006. After assigning subjects to four categories based on family type, single, couple, joint family, and other, these categories were compared with the estimated total nutrient intakes and eating habit. Validity was assessed by comparison with 24-hour dietary recalls and dietary variety score (DVS). The results showed that senior in single family type was far lower than that of couple family type in terms of frequency of meal per day and intake of snacks. Dietary variety score represented that a single female with social security beneficiary showed the lowest variety score compared with other family type. The lunch meal provided by social welfare center turned out to be the most nutritious diet and had significant proportion of daily intakes in essential nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Taken together, the family type was a significant factor and the accompaniment is another effector on dietary pattern in the elderly. We strongly suggest that the current lunch program in welfare center should be expanded to breakfast meal, and furthermore the small commodity program is also needed to provide the elderly with meal for social communication.