Journal List > Korean J Nutr > v.44(6) > 1043909

Lee, Kim, Choi, Kwak, Chung, Kwon, Choi, Lee, and Kang: Comparison of Perception and Practice Levels of Dietary Life in Elementary School Children according to Gender and Obesity Status

Abstract

This study was performed to analyze children's perceptions and practice levels according to gender and obesity status using a dietary life safety index. A national survey was conducted on fifth grade children (n = 2,400), who were selected using three-stage stratified cluster sampling from 16 provinces. The average height was 144.8 cm, and weight was 38.8 kg. The average body mass index was 18.4 kg/m2 and underweight, overweight, and obese children were identified using the 2009 KHNANES cutoff values, which were 5.3%, 10%, and 5.9%, respectively. The perception and practice scores for hand-washing prior to eating were high and the score for willing to buy at a clean store was also high. However, students answered that the hygiene level of food stores near the school was poor. More students skipped breakfast than lunch or dinner. The frequency scores for fruit and vegetables were significantly higher for girls than those for boys. Students had a good understanding of nutrition labeling but did not frequently check the label. Seventy-five percent of the students tried to avoid high calorie foods with low nutritional value, but only 40% had the appropriate knowledge about high calorie foods with low nutritional value. Girls had better dietary life perception and practice levels than those of boys. No differences in perception or practice levels were observed based on obesity status. Nutrition education on the importance of eating breakfast and having accurate knowledge on nutrition labeling and high calorie foods with low nutritional value is needed. Behavior-centered education should be implemented to improve the perceptions and practice level of student's dietary life.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
General characteristics of the subjects
kjn-44-527-i001

1)Mean ± SE

*: Means values are significantly different by gender at α = 0.05 by T-test

a b c: Mean values with different superscript letters within the same column are significantly different between obese levels at α = 0.05 by Bonferroni's multiple t test

Table 2
Perception and practice levels of sanitation management by gender (score)
kjn-44-527-i002

1)Mean ± SE

*: Mean values are significantly different by gender at α = 0.05 by T-test

3 Score scale: 1) of no importance, 2) of some importance, 3) of major importance, 4 Score scale: 1) none, 2) one time/day, 3) 2 times/day, 4)>3 times/day, §5 score scale: 1) strongly disagree, 2) disagree, 3) neutral, 4) agree, 5) strongly agree

NS: Not significant

Table 3
Perception and practice levels of sanitation management by obesity status (score)
kjn-44-527-i003

1)Mean ± SE

3 Score scale: 1) of no importance, 2) of some importance, 3) of major importance, 4 Score scale: 1) none, 2) one time/day, 3) 2 times/day, 4)>3 times/day, §5 score scale: 1) strongly disagree, 2) disagree, 3) neutral, 4) agree, 5) strongly agree

NS: Not significant

Table 4
Comparison of frequency scores of three meals and food frequency scores by gender (score)
kjn-44-527-i004

1)Mean ± SE

*: Mean values are significantly different by gender at α = 0.05 by T-test

4 Score scale: 1) none, 2) 1-2 days/week, 3) 3-5 days/ week, 4) 6-7 day/week, 5 Score scale: 1) none, 2) 1-2 times/week, 3) 3-5 times/week, 4) 6-7 times/week, 5)>2 times/day, §5 score scale: 1)>2 times/day, 2) 6-7 times/week, 3) 3-5 times/week, 4) 1-2 times/week, 5) none

NS: Not significant

Table 5
Comparison of frequency scores of three meals and food frequency scores by obesity status (score)
kjn-44-527-i005

1)Mean ± SE

4 Score scale: 1) none, 2) 1-2 days/week, 3) 3-5 days/week, 4) 6-7 day/week, 5 Score scale: 1) none, 2) 1-2 times/week, 3) 3-5 times/week, 4) 6-7 times/week, 5)>2 times/day, §5 score scale: 1)>2 times/day, 2) 6-7 times/week, 3) 3-5 times/week, 4) 1-2 times/week, 5) none

a b: Mean values with different superscript letters within the same row are significantly different between obesity status at α = 0.05 by Bonferroni's multiple t test

NS: Not significant

Table 6
Perception and practice levels of nutrition labeling and high calorie foods with low nutritional value by gender [N (%)]
kjn-44-527-i006

*: p < 0.05, **: p < 0.01

Table 7
Perception and practice levels of nutrition labeling and high calorie foods with low nutritional value by obesity status [N (%)]
kjn-44-527-i007

*: p < 0.05

Notes

This research was supported by a grant (08082KFDA999) from Korea Food & Drug Administration in 2009.

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