• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.860-869
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• 2008

The purposes of this study were to investigate use patterns of nutrition information service of 50-and-older adults and analyze the differences in use patterns of nutrition information service according to their socio-demographic variables. The survey was conducted with 500 adults aged 50-and-over living in Seoul between March 28 and April 10, 2007. A total of 401 questionnaires were used for analysis (use rate 80.2%) and the statistical data analyses were completed using SPSS Win (ver 12.0). The main results of this study were as follows. First, most respondents (73.3%) realized the need for nutrition counseling or education. However, 65.3% of respondents have little experience in nutrition counseling or education. Second, the most preferred methods of nutrition counseling or education were field trips (27.7%), counseling in hospitals/public health centers (23.4%), cooking classes (23.2%). And the most often cited sources of nutrition information were TV/radio (66.6%) and newspapers/magazines/books (41.6%). Third, sociodemographic variables such as sex, age, education level, occupations were significantly related to methods of nutrition counseling or education. And variables such as age, education level, occupations were significantly related to often cited sources of nutrition information. Also sex, age, education level, occupations were significantly related to needs for nutrirtion information service.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.243-253
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate dietitians' needs of teaching materials about nutrition education for school children in Kyonggi and Chungnam(including Daejeon) areas. This study was carried out using questionnaires via e-mail or in class to the subjects of 166 elementary school dietitians as 68 in Kyonggi and 98 in Chungnam. The number of small(less than 700 meals), medium(700-1400 meals) and large(over 1400 meals) schools based on served meals daily were 48, 62 and 56, respectively. The results are as follows: Frequency of nutrition education for students as well as for teachers was samely very low as 'once per two months' and the education used to perform during lunch time mostly. For preparing nutrition education they obtained informations from the internet(64.0%). The main topics of nutrition education they used to covered were 'et's eat breakfast', 'table manners', 'the relations of body and nutrients', 'food waste', 'foods and calorie', etc.. The largest limit of nutrition education practices faced by school dietitians were pointed out as 'lacks of teaching materials' and 'counseling techniques'. Most dietitians wanted CD or substantial teaching materials for the practices, and required their contents covering 'cooking', 'food and calories', 'let’s eat various foods', 'relations of body and nutrients', 'regular meal is important’ and etc.. Since we expect nutrition teachers to be realized soon, nutrition education/counseling is emphasized more as their duty. Even though school dietitians revealed poor self-confidence, they were positive to get improved by reeducation of nutrition counseling methods and skills. If easy and suitable education materials(CD type) are developed as good as the school dietitians desired, the materials could contribute much to better nutrition education/counseling practices at schools.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.512-524
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the food allergy-related knowledge, awareness, and performance of dietitians at children's hospitals, depending on whether or not they have a clinical dietitian certificate. Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to 41 dieticians at children's hospitals registered as a part of the Korean Hospital Association. The survey consisted of questionnaires examining general characteristics, nutritional counseling-related characteristics, and food allergy-related characteristics (food allergy-related knowledge, awareness, and performance). We examined differences according to the status of clinical dietitian certification. Results: The proportion of subjects who were holders of clinical dietitian certificates was 48.8%. There were differences between holders of clinical dietitian certificates and non-holders as follows. Regarding nutritional awareness and performance, 'needs to provide nutrition counseling in children's hospitals', 'providing nutrition counseling services in working hospitals', and 'whether there is a nutrition counseling room' scored higher among holders of clinical dietitian certificates than non-holders. Holders of clinical dietitian certificates showed higher scores for knowledge of food allergy symptoms and food allergy management than non-holders. For food allergy awareness and performance, 'self-assessment of food allergy knowledge understanding level', 'awareness of open oral food challenge (OFC)', 'recognition of the need for education and counseling on food allergy for patients / guardians', and 'food allergy related educational experience' scored higher among holders of clinical dietitians certificates than in non-holders. Conclusions: Children's hospital dietitians with a clinical dietitian certificate showed high knowledge, awareness, and performance related to food allergies. It is thus necessary to employ a clinical dietitian for food allergy management in children's hospitals. In addition, training and conservative education are necessary for the management of food allergies for children's hospital dietitians.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.247-255
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• 2016

Objectives: Food allergy appears to be increasing in prevalence and can potentially result in significant damaging impact on children's mental and physical health. This study investigated how dietitians/nutrition teachers in Incheon, where a fatal fool allergy incidence occurred, manage food allergy issues in school lunch systems. Methods: A survey with a pre-tested questionnaire was conducted with 358 dietitians/nutrition teachers in Incheon area. The final analytical sample included questionnaire data from 208 study participants (58.1%). Statistical analyses used SPSS ver 19.0. Results: A total of 99.5% respondents reported having received food allergy education. The respondents showed a correction rate of the food allergy test slightly higher than 70%, where nutrition teachers and respondents working in elementary schools had correction rates higher than dietitians and those working in middle schools (p<0.05). All respondents reported regular monitoring to identify students with food allergy and making notification of allergy-prone foods on menu in their school. More nutrition teachers provided "elimination meals" (57.6%) or "replacement meals" (37.0%) than dietitians (43.1%, 19.8%, respectively) (p<0.05). Elimination and replacement meals were provided more in elementary schools than in middle schools (p<0.05). Although counseling students with food allergy on nutrition was done by 64.9% of respondents, the areas of counseling were limited to basics of food allergy and how to use the notification system on menu. To prepare for handling food allergy events effectively, networks with regional clinics or hospitals (34.1%), hotline with parents (87.4%), and keeping an Epi-Pen ready (46.7% elementary school) were established. Only 34.1% of respondents knew how to use Epi-Pens. Conclusions: Dietitians and nutrition teachers in Incheon widely adapted food allergy management methods. It appears that education/training on food allergy for dietitians/nutrition teachers can move on from teaching basics of food allergy to providing applicable food allergy management methods at school system.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.71-83
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• 2014

The purpose of the study was to implement and evaluate a nutrition capacity training program for dietitians and other professionals working at customized home visiting health services (CHVHS). This program focused on nutrition services for hypertension or diabetes mellitus patients including topics regarding CHVHS, and composed of 10 sessions with lectures, discussion and practice. Dietitians (n = 54) and other professionals (n = 20) participated in the program and completed the questionnaire to assess their understanding of nutritional management, nutrition services and CHVHS before and after the program, and to examine program satisfaction and education needs. Subjects were mostly women (98.6%) and college or university graduates (93.2%). Total score (p < 0.001), as well as all items (p < 0.001 or p < 0.01) of understanding regarding nutritional management, nutrition services and CHVHS, were significantly increased after the program both in dietitians and in other professionals. Subjects were generally satisfied with the program, showing more satisfaction with items regarding subject's participation, acquiring new knowledge, usefulness of the program for CHVHS, and education materials. In future nutrition capacity training programs, subjects wanted to have classes regarding nutrition services for specific chronic diseases, development of education materials, methods for dietary life education, modifying eating habits and so on. Other professionals compared to dietitians, showed higher education needs in meal management (p < 0.01) and nutrition counseling skills (p < 0.05). This study showed the effectiveness of a nutrition capacity training program for home-visiting dietitians and other professionals, and suggests the need and direction for future nutrition capacity training programs.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.12-24
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• 2016

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the school nutrition teachers' perception on their job and to find out recommendations needed for its improvement in order to provide a quality foodservice and nutrition education at schools. Methods: A total of 219 school nutrition teachers in Seoul were surveyed using selfadministered questionnaires. Results: The perceived importance of the 16 job duties was rated 3.8 based on a 5-point scale (1: very unimportant - 5: very important). The importance of six duties including nutrition management, production management, nutrition education, and food safety management were rated over 4 point but that of record-keeping for documents, official reporting, and service management was rated the lowest. Importance-Performance Analysis showed that nutrition management, receiving/storage management, production management, menu management, food safety management, and equipment/facilities management should be emphasized to maintain the current performance of duties. The performance of the nutrition education and counseling needed to be improved since the importance scores were greater than average but the performance scores were lower than the average. Official reporting and miscellaneous jobs were rated the highest for simplification need. More than half of the respondents agreed that equipment/facilities management, miscellaneous jobs, service staff supervision, and service line supervision could be allocated to other school departments. Conclusions: School nutrition teachers should invest more time and resources on their core job duties such as nutrition management, production management, food safety management, and nutrition education for providing quality foodservice and nutrition education. To reflect the environmental changes of school foodservice, a reasonable staffing index of school nutrition teachers needs to be developed. In addition, hiring an assistant or implementing school nutrition teacher internship programs can be useful to reduce workloads of the nutrition teachers.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.198-211
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• 2014

Objectives: To investigate the use frequency and amount of food sources of sodium and knowledge requirement, and job satisfaction with school food services according to the school types in Busan. Methods: A total of 98 schools were surveyed and knowledge requirement and job satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. In addition, the use frequency and amount of food sources of sodium for 10 school days were examined. Results: The response rate of the most difficult area among dietitians' tasks was significantly high in 'nutrition education and counseling' for elementary schools and 'hygiene management' for high schools (p < .05). The response rate of the factors to be considered in meal planning was significantly high in 'energy and nutrients requirement' for elementary schools and 'menu/taste preference of students' for middle and high schools (p < .05). The response rate of whether school food services affect health and eating habits of students or not was significant high in 'very helpful' for elementary schools (p < .001). The average sodium contents in the meals of elementary, middle and high schools was 1981.4 mg/meal/person/day, 1867.3 mg/meal/person/day and 1,329.9 mg/meal/person/day, respectively. For foods in highest sodium, Kimchi, Oribulgogi, and Kare rice were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The main reason for not providing the fruits was 'price' among all groups. The knowledge requirement such as 'nutrition and menu management', 'nutrition education', and 'nutrition counseling' was significantly higher in elementary school compared with middle and high school (p < .001, p < .01, and p < .01 respectively). The dietitians and nutrition teachers of elementary schools have a higher job satisfaction compared with those of middle schools (p < .01). The job satisfaction was positively correlated with knowledge requirement of dietitians and nutrition teachers of elementary and middle schools. Conclusions: The results suggest that developing dietitians' education program about knowledge requirement contribute to increasing the school food service and job satisfaction in elementary and middle schools.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.402-411
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The role of a school's nutrition environment in explaining students' eating behaviors and weight status has not been examined in an Asian setting. The purpose of this study was to create a school nutrition environment index and to pilot test the index in elementary and middle schools in urban South Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study used a mixed-methods approach. Environment assessment tools were developed based on formative research, which comprised literature reviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Key elements from the formative research were included in the assessment tool, which consisted of a structured survey questionnaire for school dietitians. Fifteen school dietitians from 7 elementary and 8 middle schools in Seoul completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: The formative research revealed four main sections that guided a summary index to assess a school's nutrition environment: resource availability, education and programs, dietitians' perceptions and characteristics, and school lunch menu. Based on the literature reviews and interviews, an index scoring system was developed. The total possible score from the combined four index sections was 40 points. From the 15 schools participating in the pilot survey, the mean school nutrition-environment index was 22.5 (standard deviation ${\pm}3.2$; range 17-28). The majority of the schools did not offer classroom-based nutrition education or nutrition counseling for students and parents. The popular modes of nutrition education were school websites, posters, and newsletters. CONCLUSIONS: This paper illustrates the process used to develop an instrument to assess a school's nutrition environment. Moreover, it presents the steps used to develop a scoring system for creation of a school nutrition environment index. As pilot testing indicated the total index score has some variation across schools, we suggest applying this instrument in future studies involving a larger number of schools. Future studies with larger samples will allow investigation of the validity and reliability of this newly developed tool.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.366-378
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a sodium index, which is a tool for estimating and assessing sodium intake easily and quickly, to assist in the prevention of various diseases induced by excess sodium intake in Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The 24-h urine collection and dietary behavior surveys were performed on 640 healthy people in 4 regions of South Korea, and an equation for the estimation of 24-h sodium intake was developed. The validity and reliability of the equation were verified with 200 adults. The sodium index was developed by converting the estimated sodium intake using the equation. Finally, the sodium intake status of 1,600 adults was assessed using the sodium index. RESULTS: The equation included sex, age, body mass index, eating habit and dietary behaviors related to sodium intake. In validity test of the equation, the mean bias between sodium intake using 24-h urine analysis and using the equation from the Bland-Altman plots was -1.5 mg/day. The sensitivity and specificity of the equation for estimation of sodium intake were 80.5% and 64.4%, respectively. In the reliability test of the equation, there was no significant difference between the first and second sodium intakes calculated using the equations, and Spearman's correlation coefficient between the 2 sodium intakes was 0.98. Sodium intake can be assessed as 'very moderate' for 75-100 on the sodium index, 'moderate' for 100-150, 'careful' for less than 75 or 150-200, and 'severe' for 250 or more. When sodium intake was assessed using the sodium index in 1,600 subjects, 54.3% and 24.3% of the subjects were assessed to be in the 'careful' and 'severe' categories, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using a simple questionnaire, the sodium index can be used to monitor and assess sodium intake status, assisting in nutrition education and counseling in a large population.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.23-35
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the marital status, drinking behavior, and mental health characteristics of alcohol consumers, and to explore the relationship between marital status and mental health among alcohol consumers. Methods: The research data utilized raw data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2020), Second Round. A total of 3,713 participants were included in the final analysis. Data analysis was performed using the statistical software SPSS version 26.0. Results: The relationship between the study participants and mental health revealed that compared to those with a spouse, individuals who were divorced or separated had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.598 for 'depression' and an OR of 2.142 for 'suicidal thoughts'. In the case of 'stress perception', individuals who were divorced or separated had an OR of 3.434. In terms of gender, females had an OR of 4.867 for 'depression', an OR of 2.510 for 'suicidal thoughts', and an OR of 1.847 for 'stress perception', compared to males. Regarding age, the odds of 'depression' were 1.801 times higher in the 60 to 79 age group compared to the 18 to 39 age group. For smoking status, smokers had an OR of 2.812 for 'depression' compared to non-smokers. The OR for 'suicidal thoughts' was 3.047, and the OR for 'stress perception' was 1.463. However, the relationship between mental health and binge drinking frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed in a single session was not significant. Conclusion: The divorced, separated, or bereaved groups may be vulnerable to 'depression,' 'suicidal ideation,' and 'stress.' Therefore, there is an expectation to explore strategies for the development and enhancement of community-based mental counseling and health education support programs, aiming to improve the mental well-being and quality of life of individuals and the local community.