Nutrient Intake Patterns of Koreans by the Economic Status Using 1998 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the diet with the amount and the qualitative assessment of nutrient intakes by the economic level. Data from the 1998 Korean Health and Nutrition Survey were used. Using the poverty line based on the 1998 Korean minimum cost of living, Subjects (n = 10400) were classified into high class (36.1%), middle class (40.7%) and low class (23.1%). Chi-square-test and Analysis of Variance following Duncan's multiple range test were used to test the difference in nutrient intake pattern among three groups (alpha = 0.05). The amount of nutrient intake and nutrient intake adequacy were statistically different by the economic level (p<0.01). The ratio of energy intake from carbohydrate is higher than the criteria of WHO recommendation in all economic levels. Especially people in the low class depended much on the carbohydrate for the energy intake. The ratio of energy from the protein and fat are lower in the middle and low class than that of the high class. The Intake level of calcium and vitamin B2 were lower than those of the Recommended Dietary intake level, regardless of economic status. It also showed differences in major food sources of nutrients by the economic level Consequently, it seems that the nutrition policy and program should be prepared according to their economic status. Also, there should more detailed studies to find out the nutrient intake pattern, their determinant, and health consequences.