The relationship between satisfaction with life, dietary attitude, and comfort level in hemodialysis patients: Analysis with machine learning approach.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis (HD) patients have become a serious public health problem, the number of which is increasing every year worldwide. This study aimed to determine the relationship between satisfaction with life, dietary attitude, and comfort level in patients receiving HD treatment. METHODS: This research was conducted in a relational cross-sectional descriptive design. The research was conducted with 174 patients (85% of the population) receiving HD treatment between March 20 and September 30, 2023. In the study, hierarchical regression analysis was performed with SPSS 25.0. Machine learning analysis and prediction were performed using R programming language, version 4.1.3. RESULTS: The model used to determine the factors affecting satisfaction with life was significant and usable (F(2,171) = 25.855, p = 0.001). Attitudes of HD patients toward dietary therapy and their HD comfort levels together explained 22.3% of the total variance of satisfaction with life. In the regression model, according to the results of the t-test regarding the significance of the regression coefficient, the increase in the HD comfort levels of the participants (t = 2.668, p = 0.008) and the increase in the attitude of the HD patients toward dietary therapy (t = 5.897, p = 0.001) caused a statistical increase in "satisfaction with life." According to Shapley values, the most important variable in the prediction of satisfaction with life variable is attitude for the dietary attitude. CONCLUSION: It was determined that the increase in the comfort levels of HD patients and their positive dietary attitudes increased satisfaction with life. It is recommended to provide education to increase patients' diet attitudes and comfort levels.

Relationship between maternal employment status and children's food intake in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Although long maternal working hours are reported to have a negative effect on children's dietary habits, few studies have investigated this issue in Japan. Healthy dietary habits in childhood are important because they may reduce the risk of future disease. Here, we examined the relationship between maternal employment status and children's dietary intake in 1693 pairs of Japanese primary school 5th and 6th graders and their mothers. METHODS: The survey was conducted using two questionnaires, a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire and a lifestyle questionnaire. The analysis also considered mothers' and children's nutrition knowledge, attitudes toward diet, and some aspects of family environment. RESULTS: Longer maternal working hours were associated with children's higher intake of white rice (g/1000kcal) (ß 11.4, 95%CI [1.0, 21.9]; working ≥8h vs. not working), lower intake of confectioneries (g/1000kcal) (ß -4.0 [-7.6, -0.4]), and higher body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (ß 0.62 [0.2, 1.0]). Although maternal employment status was not significantly associated with lower intake of healthy food (e.g., vegetables) or higher intake of unhealthy food (e.g., sweetened beverages) in the children, in contrast with previous studies, it may have affected children's energy intake through their higher intake of white rice. Further, children's nutrition knowledge and attitudes toward diet, mothers' food intake, and some family environment factors were significantly associated with intakes of vegetables and sweetened beverages in the children. CONCLUSIONS: Longer maternal working hours were significantly associated with higher intake of white rice and lower intake of confectioneries, as well as higher BMI among children. Even when a mother works, however, it may be possible to improve her child's dietary intake by other means such as nutrition education for children or enhancement of food environment.

A focused ethnographic study on the role of health and sustainability in food choice decisions.

In the United States, typical dietary patterns are not necessarily healthy and sustainable. In order to shift diets, we need to provide support to individuals in a way that reflects what matters most to them. In this study, we aimed to identify the considerations that are most important to individuals regarding food-related decisions, and to determine how those considerations relate to specific foods, with a focus on health and environmental sustainability. In a sequential mixed-methods design, we first conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with participants in California and Nebraska. These interviews included a free-listing activity, where we used a technical construct of salience, Smith's S Index, to identify the considerations that were most important to our participants. We followed up with 20 of those participants to complete a pile-sorting survey, where participants sorted and rated 42 food items for price, taste, health, convenience, familiarity, and environmental impact. Our findings showed that the most salient considerations cited by our participants were price, health, taste, and time. There was consensus for how participants rated the foods for price, taste, convenience, and familiarity. However, there was only weak consensus for how participants rated the foods for health impact, and no consensus for how participants rated the foods for environmental impact. There was also disagreement on how to sort new plant-based products intended to replace or substitute meat and other animal-based foods. These findings have implications for how to communicate about healthy and sustainable diets. They highlight conflicting considerations, disagreement in classification of new products, and limited consensus for perceived health and environmental impact of foods, which present challenges to the achievement of diets that are healthy and environmentally sustainable in the United States.

Relationship between maternal employment status and children's food intake in Japan

BACKGROUND@#Although long maternal working hours are reported to have a negative effect on children's dietary habits, few studies have investigated this issue in Japan. Healthy dietary habits in childhood are important because they may reduce the risk of future disease. Here, we examined the relationship between maternal employment status and children's dietary intake in 1693 pairs of Japanese primary school 5th and 6th graders and their mothers.@*METHODS@#The survey was conducted using two questionnaires, a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire and a lifestyle questionnaire. The analysis also considered mothers' and children's nutrition knowledge, attitudes toward diet, and some aspects of family environment.@*RESULTS@#Longer maternal working hours were associated with children's higher intake of white rice (g/1000kcal) (β 11.4, 95%CI [1.0, 21.9]; working ≥8h vs. not working), lower intake of confectioneries (g/1000kcal) (β -4.0 [-7.6, -0.4]), and higher body mass index (BMI) (kg/m@*CONCLUSIONS@#Longer maternal working hours were significantly associated with higher intake of white rice and lower intake of confectioneries, as well as higher BMI among children. Even when a mother works, however, it may be possible to improve her child's dietary intake by other means such as nutrition education for children or enhancement of food environment.

Dietary Attitude of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:A Cross-sectional study.

Background and Objectives: There is a paucity of literature on the dietary attitude (DA) of patients with type 2 diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Although the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is high in Gulf countries, there remains a lack of understanding of the importance of dietary behavior in diabetes management among patients. Understanding the behavior of patients with diabetes towards the disease requires knowledge of their DA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and evaluate the DA of type 2 diabetes patients, and it is the first of its kind in the KSA. Material and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 patients with type 2 diabetes. A self-administered DA questionnaire was used to collect the data. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed by face validity, content validity, exploratory factor analysis, and internal consistency reliability. The data were collected using a systematic random sampling technique. Results: The overall DA of the patients was inappropriate (p = 0.014). Patients had an inappropriate DA towards food selection (p = 0.003), healthy choices(p = 0.005), food restraint (p < 0.001), health impact (p < 0.001), and food categorization (p = 0.033). A poor DA was also observed in relation to the consumption of red meat(p < 0.001), rice (p < 0.001), soup and sauces (p = 0.040), dairy products (p = 0.015), and junk food(p < 0.001). Conclusions: It is highly recommended that patients with diabetes receive counseling with an empowerment approach, as this can bring about changes in their dietary behavior, which is deeply rooted in their daily routine. Healthcare providers should also be well-informed about patients' attitudes and beliefs towards diabetes to design tailored educational and salutary programs for this specific community. Diabetes self-management educational programs should also be provided on a regular basis with a special emphasis on diet and its related components.

Study on the correlation between nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes of guardians, and nutritional status of infants and toddlers - Nutrition-Plus program in Jeonju / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify the nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes of guardians, and nutritional status of infants and toddlers as well as the relationships between these variables. METHODS: The participants were selected among applicants for low-income family financing provided by the government and included 115 infants and toddlers as well as their guardians. Demographic data, nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes, and nutrition intakes were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, biochemical examination, and 24 Hour-Recall method. RESULTS: The score for guardians' nutrition knowledge was 12.97 points of a possible 15, and the score for dietary attitudes was 53.38 points of a possible 75. The nutrition knowledge and dietary attitudes showed significant differences by education level (p < 0.05) and family structure (p < 0.05). Energy intakes of subjects aged 6 ~ 24 months and over 25 months were lower than the DRI for Koreans. The intakes of carbohydrates, protein, and fat of subjects aged 6 ~ 24 months and over 25 months showed no significant differences by level of nutrition knowledge or dietary attitudes. The intake of Ca of subjects aged over 12 months showed significant differences by level of nutrition knowledge (p < 0.05). The intakes of Thiamin of subjects aged 6 ~ 11 months and P of subjects aged over 12 months showed significant differences by level of dietary attitudes (p < 0.05). There was a small positive correlation between education level and nutrition knowledge as well as between dietary attitudes. Nutrition knowledge showed a positive correlation with dietary attitudes. There was a positive correlation between nutrition knowledge and Ca, Riboflavin, as well as Vit C levels. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is necessary to consider an educational program for increasing the practical application of knowledge to nutrition management for improvement of nutrition intake in infants and toddlers.

Comparison of salty taste assessment, high-salt dietary attitude and high-salt dietary behavior by stage of behavior change among students in Daegu / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted for comparison of salty taste assessment, salty taste preference, high-salt dietary attitude, and high-salt dietary behavior by stages of behavior change among school-aged children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 1,595 students (1,126 school- aged children, 469 adolescents) from 43 elementary schools and 17 middle and high schools in Daegu were tested using salty taste kits and surveyed using questionnaires on stages of behavior change, high-salt dietary attitude, and behavior. RESULTS: Adolescents showed a significantly higher result for salty taste assessment than school-aged children (p < 0.01). In salty taste assessment, the students of pre-contemplation stage (n = 498) and contemplation stage (n = 686) showed higher scores than students of action stage (n = 351) and maintenance stage (n = 60). Regarding the salty taste preference, students of maintenance stage preferred the lower two samples (0.08%, 0.16%) and students of pre-contemplation stage preferred the higher two samples (0.63%, 1.25%). High-salt dietary attitude scores and dietary behavior scores were highest for students of pre-contemplation stage and were lowest for students of maintenance stage. CONCLUSION: Salty taste assessment, high-salt dietary attitude, and high-salt dietary behavior were significantly different by stages of behavior change among school-aged children and adolescents. This study suggests the need for examination of the stages of behavior change before nutrition education for effective education.

Evaluation of a Nutrition Education Program Designed to Reduce Sugar Intake in Preschool Children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a nutrition education program designed to reduce sugar intake in preschool children. The nutritional knowledge, dietary attitude, dietary behavior, and food intake with a sweet taste in preschool children were tested before and after 4 weeks of nutrition education from March 8 to April 1, 2016. The preschool children were recruited in Dobong-gu, Seoul. The subjects were divided into two groups; educated (N=59) and non-educated group (N=40). Statistical analyseis were performed using SPSS 22. The nutritional knowledge about sweet tasting food was significantly increased (Psweetened breads>cookies/biscuits>chocolate>cereals>beverages>sweetened milk>sweet spicy chicken>Tteokbokki. Although there are some limitations in this study, due to the short length of the nutrition education and lack of active participation by the parents, the results suggest that effective nutrition education on sweet tasting food can bring about changes in nutritional knowledge as well as dietary attitude.

A Study on Sodium-related Dietary Attitude and Behaviors According to Sodium-related Nutrition Knowledge of University Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: Dietary life is closely associated with dietary attitude and diet-related knowledge. Particularly, dietary habit such as sodium intake can be affected by various dietary behaviors such as food choices, dietary attitude toward salty food and a preference for salty taste. The purpose of this study was to assess sodium-related nutrition knowledge and to identify sodium-related attitude and behaviors according to the level of sodium-related knowledge of university students. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements were provided by 408 students who participated in this study. The study participants answered questionnaires to provide information on general dietary behaviors, sodium-related dietary attitude and other behavioral factors. A total score of nutrition knowledge was used to categorize study participants in to two groups, namely, low level in sodium-related knowledge (LNaK) or high level in sodium-related knowledge (HNaK) and the attitude and the behaviors of students toward sodium intake were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: The ratio of female students in HNaK group was higher than that in the LNaK group. HNaK group had a higher score in checking nutrition label of processed food than the LNaK group. Total score of sodium-related attitude and behaviors of HNaK group were 34.81 and 32.75, respectively and these scores were significantly higher than that of the LNaK group whose scores were 32.57 and 30.57, respectively. Total energy intake was not different between two groups but the intakes of calcium, vitamin B2 and folate were higher in HNaK group than in the LNaK group. Correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender revealed that total score of sodium-related nutrition knowledge was positively correlated with total score of sodium-related attitude and behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, students who had high level of sodium-related nutrition knowledge had desirable attitude and behaviors toward sodium intake and these results can be considered in nutrition education for university students.

A Comparison of Salty Taste Assessment, Dietary Attitude and Dietary Behavior among Adult and Senior Women by Region and by Age in Korea / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the results of salty taste assessment, dietary attitudes, and dietary behaviors among adult and senior women by region and by age. The results generated from this was expected to provide fundamental data for implementing a nationwide salt reduction education program. METHODS: The salty taste assessment tool was applied to 4,064 subjects from 15 areas in Korea. Also, a survey of dietary attitude and dietary behavior related to salt intake was conducted for all subjects participated in this study. RESULTS: The salty taste assessment scores by region and by age were the lowest in capital (p < 0.01) and was highest among the 70+ year age group (p < 0.01). The dietary attitude scores and dietary behavior scores showed that Gyeongsang was the highest (p < 0.001) and the capital was the lowest. The dietary attitude scores were highest at 20&30's followed by 40's and 70's group (p < 0.001). Dietary behavior scores showed that 20's~30's and 40's groups were higher than the other age groups (p < 0.001). The score of 'I like kimchi' was 3.46 +/- 0.88, which was the highest among 10 dietary behavior questions. The score of 'I eat a lot of kimchi' was 3.30 +/- 0.90, which was the highest among 10 dietary behavior questions related to salt intake. The scores of salty taste assessment had significant positive correlations between the scores of dietary attitude (p < 0.001), dietary behavior (p < 0.001) and self-awareness (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of salty taste assessment, we observed a tendency that older people and regions except the capital had higher preference for salty taste. Our results suggested the necessity for a nationwide salty reduction education program tailored for regions and for different age groups.

Effectiveness of Nutrition Education and Counseling on the Salty Taste Assessment, Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Attitude of Hemodialysis Patients / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education and counseling on the salty taste assessment, nutrition knowledge and dietary attitude of 21 hemodialysis patients. Five times of the nutrition education and three times of nutrition counseling were performed for a period of 5 months. Biochemical analysis revealed that creatinine was significantly high (p < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen and serum albumin were significantly low (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and Na, K, Cl, K, P and uric acid were not significantly different. The distribution rate of unsalty taste preference were significantly high and the distribution rate of salty taste preference were significantly low after nutrition education and counseling (p < 0.001). Nutrition knowledge significantly improved following 5th month of education and counseling (p < 0.01). Particularly, the scores for questions related to sodium were improved. The dietary attitude was significantly improved during the counseling period (p < 0.05). There were improvements in responses to 'use food exchange list on diet' and 'habitually add salt or soy sauce before the meal'. According to these results, salty taste assessment, nutrition knowledge and dietary attitude were significantly improved by the hemodialysis diet therapy practices of hemodialysis patients. Therefore, we conclude that there was a need for low-salt diet education and nutrition counseling to help them recognize the taste of low-salt foods and strive towards a preference for less salty tasting foods and the consumption of a low-salt diet.

A Survey on the Salt Content of Kindergarten Lunch Meals and Meal Providers' Dietary Attitude to Sodium Intake in Gyeonggi-do Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Dietary habit of excess sodium consumption is formed mainly by excessive salt intake from the younger age and this may lead to hypertension, stroke, and stomach cancer. This study was performed to estimate the salt content in kindergarten meals and provide basic data on meal providers' dietary attitude to sodium intake for nutrition education. We collected data on161 food items from 16 institutions in Gyeonggi-do and salt content was calculated from salinity and weight of individual food items. The average salt content from lunch meals was 2.2 g, which was about daily adequate intake of sodium for children aged 3 to 5 years old. Greatest contributor to the salt content in a meal was soup and stew (47.8%). The most salty dishes were sauces and kimchi followed by stir-fried food, deep-fried food, braised food, and grilled food. The salt content was higher in soup and stew despite of low salinity, due to the large quantity per serving. The salt contents of soups and kimchi were 40.6% and 14.3%, respectively of the total salt content in dish groups. Staff members and caregivers at home who prepared food for the child showed preference for one-dish rice meal, dried fish and salted mackerel, and broth when eating soup, stew, and noodles. Caregivers showed higher sodium index score and had higher preference for processed food such as Ramen, canned food, and ham compared with staff members (p < 0.05). These results suggested that monitoring salt content of kindergarten meals and nutrition education for those prepare meals for children are needed to lower sodium intake in childhood.

Comparison of Meal Satisfaction, Dietary Habits, and Nutrient Intakes according to School Lunch Support among Middle School Boys and Girls in Incheon

The purpose of this study was to provide fundamental data for health promotion and improvement of the dietary life in students who receive school lunch support (SLS) by comparative analysis of food service satisfaction, dietary habits, and nutrition intakes according to SLS. The subjects of this study consisted of 258 boys and 233 girls at a middle school in Incheon. The students' average age was 14.9 years, average height was 161.3 cm, and average weight was 52.0 kg. The breakfast eating frequency of the No-SLS (NSLS) group was significantly greater than that of the SLS group (P<0.05). The time spent for eating breakfast in the SLS group was significantly shorter than that of the NSLS group for boys. There was no significant difference in dietary attitudes according to SLS. For satisfaction of the quantity and diversity of the school lunch menu in girls, the SLS group had higher satisfaction than the NSLS group. The daily energy intake of the SLS group was significantly lower than that of the NSLS group in both boys and girls. The majority of daily nutrients intakes in the SLS group were also significantly lower than those in the NSLS group. In summary, the female students in the SLS group were more satisfied with school lunch service than general students. However, SLS students less frequently ate breakfast and showed lower energy and nutrient intakes. Therefore, in order to improve the nutritional status and dietary life of students who receive school lunch support, consistent nutrition management and support in schools are required.

Study of Dietary Attitudes and Diet Management of Married Immigrant Women in Korea according to Residence Period

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary attitudes and meal management of married immigrant women according to residence period in Korea. The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire survey to 220 married immigrant women in Korea. More than one third of the immigrant women who stayed in Korea less than 3 years tended to eat a limited variety of foods. Irregularity of meal time decreased as residence time period increased (P<0.05). As immigrant women stayed longer in Korea, they became more responsible for the diet of their family (P<0.001) and had more time to share breakfast and dinner with all family members (P<0.05). Nearly half of immigrant women in all residence periods indicated their husband's family as the most influential factor in acquiring Korean foods (P<0.05). Immigrant women became more familiar with Korean cooking and recognition of nutritious foods (P<0.001) the longer they lived in Korea and more enjoyable meal times with family (P<0.05). In summary, as the period of residence in Korea increased, the dietary attitudes of immigrant women became more positive towards Korean food and diet culture. Further, immigrant women became more responsible for guiding children's dietary habits and offering healthy foods to their family as residence period increased. Therefore, the government and social programs should conduct constant and organized lessons on Korean culture and cooking according to residence period for immigrant women to build up stable and positive dietary attitudes.

Study on the Correlation Between the Dietary Habits of Mothers and Their Preschoolers and the Mother's Need for Nutritional Education for Preschoolers

This study was conducted to investigate the dietary habits and practices of mothers and their children from 3 to 6 years of age as well as the mother's attitudes about nutrition education. This study focused mainly on two areas: 1) the dietary habits and actual dietary practices of mothers and their children and 2) a mother's perception and need for nutrition education. The results of the regression analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the dietary habits of mothers and their children's (p<0.05). There was statistical significance in total food frequency intake and the food frequency intake between the mothers and children (r=0.829, p<0.01). The results of the regression analysis showed that the mother's dietary attitude (meal regularity, meal tempo) could positively influence their children's dietary attitude (p<0.01). The mothers showed a high interest in nutrition education; 81.6% of mothers tried to apply nutrition information to their actual dietary life, 77.6% of them recognized the need of nutrition education on preschoolers' dietary life and health, and 75.2% of them wanted to participate in nutrition education program(s) for their children. The percent of mothers that wanted to be offered lectures, food practices and hand-outs were 36.9%, 18.4%, 15.5%, respectively. The combined results of this study showed that mothers sincerely recognize the need for nutrition education and they have a high and deep interest in nutrition education.

A Study on Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Attitudes and Nutrition Education Needs among Child-Care Teachers / 대한지역사회영양학회지

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.

Effect of Two-year Course of Food and Nutrition on Improving Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Attitudes and Food Habits of Junior College Female Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of two-year course of food and nutrition on improving nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes and food habits of junior college female students by questionnaires. The subjects were 108 college female students enrolled in the department of food and nutrition in Gyeonggi area. The results were as follows: There were no significant changes in the weights and BMI (Body Mass Index) after 2-yr course of food and nutrition. Nutrition knowledge (14.7 vs 16.3, p < 0.001) and dietary attitude (34.3 vs 35.8, p < 0.01) increased significantly after 2-yr course. However, no significant changes in food habit were observed. Among nutrition knowledge, the scores of functions (4.5 vs 5.2, p < 0.001) and understanding (6.7 vs 7.4, p < 0.01) of nutrients were significantly increased. The recognition of nutrition knowledge increased significantly (83.1 vs 95.7, p < 0.001). Among food habit, dietary habit (13.2 vs 12.5, p < 0.01) and health related habit (15.6 vs 14.6, p < 0.001) were significantly lowered after 2-yr course. The change in dietary attitudes showed significantly positive correlation with food habit changes (p < 0.05). These results showed that 2-yr course of Food and Nutrition had improved the nutrition knowledge and dietary attitudes. Therefore, providing the more systematic and appropriate nutrition education to students during their study period will be improved dietary attitudes and food habits.

Evaluation of a Nutrition Education Program for 5th Grade Students Provided by Community Health Centers in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Children are an important target of health promotion activities due to the life long effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a nutrition education program offered to primary school students by community health centers. Eight hundred and twenty-six children from 4 primary schools in Seoul voluntarily attended the program. Teachers taught the classes with materials that were provided to them. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire before and then after completion of the program. The data were analysed by SPSS. The results showed that there were significant positive differences in the children's nutrition knowledge scores after the program (p<0.001). In terms of dietary attitude, the rate of 'yes' responses, as a desirable answer to many questions, had increased (p<0.001); however, this positive change in scores was not statistically significant. For dietary habit changes, it was shown that the proportion of children regularly eating breakfast five days a week had improved to 3.3%. And the proportion of children eating fast foods and instant foods decreased. There was no change in fruit intake, but vegetable intake increased (p<0.001). However, the children's overall dietary habit scores did not show a significant change. In the evaluation of the program, 52.3% of the subjects answered that was helpful, and they viewed 'fast food' as the most interesting topic, whereas 'nutrition labeling' was the most difficult topic in the program. The program's effectiveness was positive in terms of enhancing the 'nutrition knowledge', 'dietary attitudes', and 'dietary habits' of the children. Therefore, the above results indicate that this type of program, provided by community health centers, was effective for nutrition education.

A Comparative Study of Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Attitude and Nutrient Intakes of Dietitians and Non-Dietitians Working in the Chonnam Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was performed by a comparative analysis of nutritional knowledge, dietary attitudes and nutrient intakes of dietitians and non-dietitians. The subjects of this study were 103 dietitians and 166 non-dietitians working in the Chonnam area. The general characteristics, nutrition knowledge and dietary attitudes of the subjects were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, and nutrient intakes were examined using 24-hour recall method. The results were as follows: Dietitian group (15.17+/-3.88) scored significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than non-dietitian group (13.34+/-3.31) in nutrition knowledge. Dietitian group (69.58+/-10.67) scored significantly higher on dietary attitudes than the non-dietitian group (63.97+/-11.18). The correlation between nutritional knowledge scores and dietary attitudes scores were statistically significance on job, age (20~39), education level (below university), marital status and work experience (2~5, above 10). The dietitian group was significantly higher than the non-dietitians in body weight and BMI of anthropometric data. The prevalence of obesity was 5.8% from the dietitian group and 6.6% from the non-dietitian group when judged by BMI and therefore obesity rate was significaltly (p < 0.001) different between the two groups. In case of the dietitian group, the average intake of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin E, phosphorous, zinc were above the Korean RDA whereas the average intake of vitamin C, calcium, iron, folic acid were below the Korean RDA. The average intake of most nutrients, except vitamin B1, vitamin B6, phosphorus, were below the Korean RDA in the non-dietitian group. Therefore the non-dietitian group needs nutrition education in order to improve their nutritional status.

A Comparative Study on Fast Food Consumption Patterns Classified by Age in Busan / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was carried out to investigate the fast food consumption patterns classified by age in Busan. The survey was conducted from October 15 to November 15, 2006 by questionnaires and data analyzed by SPSS program. The results are summarized as follows: Forty one point five percent of the elementary group, 40.5% of the high school group, 24.1% of the 30's, 35.0% of the 40's and 18.1% of the 50's took fast foods over once a week. Seventy two point five percent of the elementary group, 61.5% of the high school group, 16.8% of the 30's group, 10.0% of the 40's, and 14.6% of the 50's preferred fast foods. There was a significant difference in the basis for selecting menus among the groups. The most important basis for selecting menus was 'price' in the elementary group and the high school group, but was 'preference' in the adult groups. As their age increased, they spend more money for fast food. Forty six percent of the elementary group and 49.5% of the high school group, 32.1% of the 30's, 36.5% of the 40's, 34.7% of the 50's thought that fast food can substitute for a meal. The age affected significantly the substitutability for the meal of the fast food (p < 0.001). In the high school group, the ratio of skipping breakfast is higher than in the other age groups. Dietary attitude has direct effects on the preference of the fast foods. Nutrition knowledge, degree of unbalanced diet, and obesity rate have direct and indirect effects which were mediated by dietary attitude. Nutrition knowledge showed the greatest total causal effect in relation to the preference of the fast foods. Therefore, nutrition education for the subjects is needed to encourage them to choose more nutritious food and have healthier dietary pattern.