Korean Journal of Community Nutrition

Research Article

[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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Original Article

[English]
Sodium-related Eating Behaviors of Parents and Its Relationship to Eating Behaviors of Their Preschool Children: Ye Seul Kim, Hong Mie Lee, Jung Hee Kim; Korean J Community Nutr 2015;20(1):11-20. Published online February 28, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2015.20.1.11

Abstract PDF PubReader

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine mothers' eating behavior and salty taste and its relationship to their preschool children's eating behaviors.
METHODS
This survey was conducted by self-report after getting permission from sixty one mothers who had preschool children. The questionnaire was focused on mothers' salty test and salt-related eating behavior of both mothers and their preschool children.
RESULTS
Comparison of eating behavior score between mother and their preschoolers showed that mothers' score was lower than their preschoolers' one. Salty foods with high preference and intake frequency by mothers and preschoolers were 'salted dry fish, stock fish' and 'soup, stew, noodle soup'. In addition, there were strong positive correlations between preference and intake frequency on most of the salty food items. Intake of Ramen soup was significantly different (p < 0.001) between the two groups. Preschoolers ate less ramen soup compared to their mothers.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall results showed that preschoolers' dietary behavior was better than the mothers' one. However, preschoolers' dietary behavior was significantly influenced by their mothers. Therefore, mothers should have an appropriate eating behavior in order to have a positive influence on their children's eating habits. In addition, the results suggested that proper nutrition education is needed for mothers of preschool children.

Citations

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Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2015; 20(2): 109. CrossRef

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