Korean Journal of Community Nutrition

Research Articles

[Korean]
Toward the development of a digital self-nutrition management education program for elderly: findings from focus groups study: Hae-song Yoo, Jin-myong Lee, Min-sun Jeon; Korean J Community Nutr 2025;30(6):431-440. Published online December 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2025.00234

Abstract PDF: Objectives
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and understand the behaviors and challenges of self-nutrition management from the perspective of elderly.
Methods
In May 2025, ten elderly aged 65–83 years with prior experience using digital devices were recruited through purposeful sampling. Data were collected via focus group interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire until saturation was reached, and all interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using traditional content analysis methods. The collected interview data were extracted focusing on phrases or sentences relevant to the research purpose, and various concepts derived through memo writing and the constant comparison were categorized based on common meanings. Subsequently, the categorized statements were deeply interpreted and reclassified into subcategories for final analysis.
Results
Under the overarching theme of development directions for a digital self-nutrition management education program for elderly, three main categories and 13 subcategories were derived. The three main categories include: (1) processes of acceptance and utilization of digital technologies; (2) potential for applying digital self-nutrition management; and (3) strategies for implementing digital-based nutrition education.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that elderly face barriers to utilizing digital tools for self-nutrition management not only due to physical or technical limitations, but also because of the confusion arising from limited nutrition knowledge and information overload. To overcome the barriers that may arise during the digital-based education process for elderly, strategies (educational topics, delivery strategies, and operational strategies) were derived to vitalize a digital self-nutrition management education program. These results highlight the necessity of developing tailored digital nutrition education programs that reflect the characteristics of elderly, which may enhance their practical applicability and provide foundational evidence for establishing a digital–nutrition integrated care model within the senior customized care service.

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[Korean]
A study on the diet and nutrition management status and educational needs in elderly care facilities in Korea: focus group interviews with staff from children’s and social welfare meal management support centers and elderly care facilities: Seo Young Choi, Hyun joo Ryou, Jieun Oh; Korean J Community Nutr 2025;30(4):286-295. Published online August 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2025.00143

Abstract PDF: Objectives
In this study, we identified the current status of meal and nutritional management in elderly care facilities and analyzed the educational needs of employees, with the goal of proposing effective support strategies for nutritional management and to suggest directions for developing customized educational content.
Methods
Between May and June 2024, we conducted nine focus group interviews with 22 participants recruited from 10 cities across four major regions of Korea, including 13 employees of children and social welfare meal management support centers and nine employees of elderly care facilities.
Results
Our findings revealed that supporting algorithm-based dietary planning, improving communication with caregivers, and providing flexible, practical education tailored to facility conditions, are key elements for enhancing nutritional management in elderly care facilities. To facilitate the translation of these insights into practice, it will be necessary to strengthen collaboration between centers and facilities, combined with efforts to improve the operational environment for applying the algorithm and providing continuous educational support.
Conclusion
The findings of this study emphasize the importance of on-site education and sustainable support strategies based on the diet and nutritional management status and education needs of elderly care facilities. Strengthening practical education, communication systems, and center–facility collaboration is required, and future research needs to verify the efficacy of these measures and define a sustainable support system based on quantitative analysis.

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