Korean Journal of Community Nutrition

Research Articles

[English]
Nutrition quotient for preschoolers and key impacting factors in Korea: a cross-sectional study on food literacy, social support, and the food environment of primary caregivers: Danbi Gwon, Ji-Yun Hwang, Jieun Oh; Korean J Community Nutr 2025;30(1):16-26. Published online February 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2024.00311

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Objectives
This study evaluated the nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P) and analyzed the impact of key factors, such as caregivers’ food literacy, social support, and food environment, on the eating habits of preschool children in Korea. This study also sought to provide foundational data for developing tailored nutrition education programs by identifying the nutrition education needs of caregivers.
Methods
This study was conducted among caregivers of preschool children (aged 0–6 years) using an online self-administered survey conducted from August 22 to August 28, 2023. A total of 1,116 survey responses were analyzed. This study assessed children’s NQ-P score, caregivers’ food literacy, social support, food environment, and nutritional education needs. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 (IBM Co.).
Results
The average NQ-P score for preschool children was 52, showing a tendency for the balance score to decrease and the moderation score to increase with age. Children from rural and low-income areas exhibited significantly lower NQ-P scores. Caregivers’ food literacy was higher in urban and higher-income groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that social support, food literacy, income, and food environment significantly affected children's NQ-P scores. The effectiveness of nutrition education varied based on the income level, with nutrition education on healthy eating being the most preferred topic for preschool children.
Conclusion
This study confirmed that caregivers’ food literacy and social support significantly affected preschool children’s nutritional status. This suggests a need for tailored nutritional education and dietary support policies, particularly for low-income and rural populations.

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[Korean]
Foodservice Status and Perception regarding Foodservice Management in Kindergartens attached to Elementary Schools in Seoul: Ranmi Jung, Gun-Hee Kim, Jieun Oh, Sunny Ham, Seungmin Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2022;27(6):492-502. Published online December 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2022.27.6.492

Objectives
This study examines the foodservice status of kindergartens attached to elementary schools in Seoul. We further determine the perception of elementary school principals and kindergarten assistant principals on the foodservice management for kindergartens.
Methods
This survey was conducted from July 17 to 23, 2019, enrolling 207 kindergartens attached to elementary schools in Seoul. Questionnaires were sent to principals of elementary schools and assistant principals of kindergartens, and the data obtained from 89 kindergartens were included in the analysis. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: general information on subjects, foodservice management status, foodservice management status during elementary school vacations, and the perception of principals of elementary schools and assistant principals of kindergartens on foodservice management. Data are presented as frequency and percentage or mean and standard deviation. Statistical comparison between principals of elementary schools and assistant principals of kindergartens was conducted by paired t-test, chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation analysis.
Results
A separate menu (10.1%) or recipe (20.2%) that considers preschooler characteristics was rarely used for foodservice at kindergartens attached to elementary schools. Most kindergartens did not have a separate dining space (3.4%) or a dedicated cook (93.3%). Although most kindergartens (92.1%) had operational foodservice during elementary school vacations, non-professional staff and non-nutrition teacher were mainly in charge of organizing the menu and purchasing ingredients (34.1% and 41.5%, respectively). The rate of using a contract catering company (28.0%, 23.2%) was also high. Both elementary school principals and assistant principals of kindergartens showed a high perception of the necessity for providing responsibility allowances for nutrition teachers and improving the cooking environment for kindergartens during elementary school vacations.
Conclusions
There is a need for policies and administrative support measures to improve the quality of foodservices for kindergartens attached to elementary schools.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Developing educational videos to inform rightly about school foodservice from kindergarten to high school: a case study
Gyoungok Gang, Chaewon Park, Haejin Kang, Wan Soo Hong, Yoo Kyoung Park, Sook Hee Choi, Seung Hye Kim, Jieun Choi, Jihyun Park, Hyeja Chang
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2024; 29(2): 97. CrossRef
A Study on the Menu Patterns and Menu Diversity of Bibimbap Meals Served by Elementary School Foodservices in the Jeonbuk Area
Sun A Choi, Chohee Mun, Jieun Go, Jeong Ok Rho
Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life.2024; 34(6): 444. CrossRef

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