Korean Journal of Community Nutrition

Research Article

[Korean]
Intake of energy and macronutrients according to household income among elementary, middle, and high school students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study: Chae-Eun Jeong, Heejin Lee, Jung Eun Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2024;29(3):234-252. Published online June 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2024.29.3.234

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Objectives
This study examined the intake of energy and macronutrients among elementary, middle, and high school students according to household income before the COVID-19 pandemic (2016–2019), during the social distancing period (2020–2021), and after the social distancing measures were lifted (2022).
Methods
We included 5,217 students aged 5–18 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2016 and 2022. Dietary intake was assessed using one-day 24-hour dietary recalls. We estimated the least squares means (LS-means) of intake according to household income for each period using a weighted linear regression model, adjusted for age and sex. Differences in LS-means between the periods were analyzed using the t-test.
Results
During the social distancing period, the LS-means of energy intake among students decreased significantly by 143.2 kcal/day compared to pre-pandemic levels (P < 0.001). Students from low-income households experienced a more pronounced decrease in energy intake (−379.1 kcal/day, P < 0.001) and macronutrient intake compared to those from other income groups. Energy intake at school significantly declined for all income groups during the social distancing period compared to before the pandemic. No significant changes in home energy intake were observed among low-income students, whereas there was an increase for students from higher-income groups. Before the pandemic, 8.5% of students from low-income households reported insufficient food due to economic difficulties; this figure rose to 21.3% during the pandemic.
Conclusions
During the pandemic, students from low-income families experienced significantly lower intake of energy and macronutrients compared to pre-pandemic levels. The most substantial reductions were noted among low-income students, largely due to the lack of compensation for decreased school-based intake with increased intake at home.

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Educational Materials

[English]
Development of a campus-based intervention program to strengthen food literacy among university students: A qualitative formative study: Eunji Ko, Eunjin Jang, Jiwon Sim, Minjeong Jeong, Sohyun Park; Korean J Community Nutr 2023;28(6):495-508. Published online December 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2023.28.6.495

Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study aimed to develop a campus-based intervention program to enhance food literacy (FL) among university students.
Methods
In the initial phase, we conducted a literature review of FL intervention studies and held in-depth interviews with university students to identify facilitators and barriers to improving and practicing FL. Expert counseling sessions were conducted with nutrition education, marketing, and service design professionals. The results of this phase led to the creation of an initial curriculum draft. In the second phase, a follow-up survey was conducted with young adults to assess the acceptability of the developed curriculum. After the follow-up survey, additional meetings were conducted with the aforementioned experts, and the curriculum was further refined based on their input.
Results
An 11-week FL intervention program was devised using constructs from the Social Cognitive Theory. The weekly curriculum consisted of 90-min theory-based and 90-min hands-on experience sessions. Three primary aspects of FL were covered: nutrition and food safety, cultural and relational dimensions, and socio-ecological aspects. Program highlights included cooking sessions for crafting traditional Korean desserts, lectures on animal welfare, insights into zero-waste practices, and communal eating experiences. Based on the study team’s previous research, the program also addressed mindful eating, helping participants understand the relationship with their eating habits, and providing strategies to manage negative emotions without resorting to food. Yoga sessions and local farm visits were incorporated into the curriculum to promote holistic well-being.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the comprehensive process of creating a campus-based curriculum to enhance FL among university students, a group particularly susceptible to problematic eating behaviors and low FL levels. The developed program can serve as a blueprint for adaptation to other campuses seeking to bolster students’ FL.

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Research Articles

[Korean]
Gender differences in dessert satisfaction and purchase behaviors among university students in Gwangju: a preliminary study: Hyun-Jeong Na, Hyun-Young Jung, Joomin Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2023;28(4):293-301. Published online August 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2023.28.4.293

Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study aimed to examine the effect of eating habits and dietary attitudes on dessert consumption among university students in Gwangju Province, South Korea.
Methods
A survey was conducted from May to June 2022. Out of 300 distributed questionnaires, 261 valid responses were included in the analysis. The survey assessed dessert selection, satisfaction, consumer attitudes and behaviors, as well as factors influencing satisfaction.
Results
Both genders reported purchasing desserts 2 to 3 times per week, primarily after lunch, due to the convenience of dessert accessibility. Males favored ice cream, bakery items, and fruits, while females preferred bakery items, ice cream, and fruits in that sequence. ‘Having fun’ was identified as the most common motivation for dessert consumption post-meal. Notable gender disparities emerged regarding perceptions of dessert consumption, including its role in stress relief, potential for nutritional imbalance, positive effects, and preferences for seasonal menus. Significant gender-based differences also manifested in intentions to purchase dessert, responsiveness to price changes, and inclination to recommend desserts to others.
Conclusions
This study offers foundational data on university students’ dessert purchasing behaviors, perceptions, and satisfaction levels, intending to inform strategies promoting healthier dietary habits.

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[Korean]
Dietary guidelines adherence and changes in eating habits among college students in the post-COVID-19 period: a cross-sectional study: Eunyoung Yoon; Korean J Community Nutr 2023;28(3):220-234. Published online June 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2023.28.3.220

Abstract PDF

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the adherence to dietary guidelines among college students in the post-COVID-19 era and examine the changes in their dietary habits as the learning environment transitioned from remote to in-person classes.
Methods
We conducted a survey involving 327 college students in Daejeon from March to April 2023. The survey questionnaires included various factors, including age, gender, type of residence, frequency of use of delivery food, convenience food, and eating out. In addition, we investigated the extent of adherence to the dietary guidelines for Koreans and the degree of dietary changes following the post-COVID-19 shift in class format were investigated. For comparative analysis of the level of adherence to dietary guidelines in relation to dietary habit changes, an ANOVA and a post hoc Scheffe test were employed. We also performed a multiple linear regression analysis to identify dietary factors influencing the level of adherence to dietary guidelines.
Results
The study revealed a high rate of convenience food consumption and a low rate of homemade food intake among students. There was a marked increase in the consumption of processed foods, convenience foods, dining out, sweet foods, high-fat fried foods, beverages, and alcohol following the transition from online to in-person classes. When examining adherence to Korean dietary guidelines, the highest scored practice was ‘Hydration’, and the lowest was ‘Breakfast habit’. Increased consumption of convenience foods, late-night snacks, and dining out were negatively correlated with adherence levels to dietary guidelines, specifically correlating with ‘Healthy weight’, ‘Hydration’, ‘Breakfast habit’, and the total score of adherence. The adoption of ‘regular meals’ was positively associated with increased adherence levels to dietary guidelines.
Conclusions
The transition from remote to in-person classes post-COVID-19 led to increased intake of convenience foods, dining out, sweet foods, high-fat fried foods, and alcohol. The rise in convenience food and late-night snack consumption negatively influenced several aspects of the dietary guidelines adherence, thereby suggesting the need for strategies to encourage healthy dietary habits among college students.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Attributes of multiple concurrent functional gastrointestinal disorders in female university students in South Korea
Hyo Kyung Kim, Hyunjung Kim, Aram Lee
Women & Health.2024; 64(8): 674. CrossRef

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[Korean]
Association between eating habits, sweet taste assessment, and high-sugar food consumption among elementary school students in Daegu: a descriptive study: Min-Jung Kim, Eun-Kyung Shin, Yeon-Kyung Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2023;28(2):104-113. Published online April 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2023.28.2.104

Abstract PDF: Objectives
The purpose of this study was to analyze high-sugar food consumption habits frequency among elementary school students, and their correlations with eating habits and sweet taste assessment.
Methods
The participants of the study were 164 elementary school students in Daegu, in the fifth or sixth grade, along with their parents. A questionnaire investigated eating habits, high-sugar food consumption habits and frequency, and sweet taste assessment.
Results
The average eating habits score for elementary school students was determined to be 71.7 out of 100. Students with higher eating habits scores had lower high-sugar food consumption habits and frequency compared to those with lower eating habits scores. Sweet taste assessment revealed that students who preferred less sweetness chose a 5% sugar concentration, those with a preference for normal sweetness chose a 10% sugar concentration, and those who preferred sweeter tastes chose a 20% sugar concentration. Sweet taste assessment showed that students who tended to prefer less sweetness had the highest eating habits scores and the lowest scores for high-sugar food consumption habits and frequency. In addition, eating habits scores were found to be negatively correlated with high-sugar food consumption habits, high-sugar food consumption frequency, and sweet taste assessment. The sweet taste assessment was positively correlated with high-sugar food consumption habits and frequency.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that students with good eating habits had more desirable overall sugar intake habits, and when the preference for sweetness was high, the frequency of high-sugar food consumption was also high. Our study highlights the importance of educating elementary school students and their parents about the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption, as well as the benefits of adopting healthy eating habits and creating supportive environments.

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[Korean]
Association Between Health Literacy and Health Promoting Behavior (Eating Habits, Physical Activity, and Stress) of University Students: Yoon-Sun Kim, Yoon-Sun Kim; Korean J Community Nutr 2022;27(2):94-104. Published online April 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2022.27.2.94

Abstract PDF

Objectives
This study attempted to examine the association between health literacy and health-promoting behavior, and identify the major variables that affect the health-promoting behavior of university students.
Methods
This was a descriptive correlation study that identified the degree of health literacy and health-promoting behavior of 248 university students (119 male and 129 female) and examined the correlation between the two and factors influencing them. The questionnaire covering health literacy comprised 66 questions, and that for health-promoting behavior comprised 10 questions covering eating habits, 3 questions about physical activity, and 10 questions involving stress.
Results
The score for health literacy was 41.56 ± 18.38 out of 66 points, and that for health-promoting behavior was 65.27 ± 11.21 points (27.61 ± 6.72 points for eating habits, 7.23 ± 2.56 points for physical activity, and 30.44 ± 5.61 points for stress). Health literacy and health-promoting behavior had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.175, P < 0.01). The perceived health status (β = 0.391,P < 0.001) was the most important variable in healthpromoting behavior, followed by health literacy (β = 0.236, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
It is necessary to develop a systematic educational strategy and implement educational programs to improve health literacy as well as encourage health-promoting behavior and thus increase the perceived health levels of university students.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Differences in Nutritional Status According to the Residence Types among University Students in Gwangju
Geum-Bi Ryu, Young-Ran Heo
Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.2024; 53(2): 207. CrossRef

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[English]
Use of Weight-control or Health Functional Foods, Associated Weight-control Behavior and Perception among University Students in Cheongju: Gayong Kim, Munkyong Pae; Korean J Community Nutr 2021;26(1):23-36. Published online February 28, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2021.26.1.23

Abstract PDF

Objectives
This study sought to assess the prevalence and duration of weight-control or health functional food use, associated weight-control behavior, perception, and knowledge among university students. Methods: The subjects were 442 university students in Cheonju, Korea, and data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Both X² and t-tests were conducted for categorical and mean comparisons. Results: An estimated 62.7% (female 69.0%, male 54.8%) had ever attempted weightcontrol. Among these, an estimated 59.2% of females and 38.9% of males had used weight-control or health functional foods with significant gender difference. The weightcontrol foods commonly used included chicken breast, protein powder, low-fat milk and soymilk, and meal replacement drinks, while garcinia cambogia extract and green tea extract were frequently used as health functional foods. One of 10 (10.3%) consumers of weight-control foods reported ≥ 7 months use, with less frequent long-term consumption of health functional foods (4.2%). The average degree of satisfaction was 3.24 ± 0.92 for weight-control foods and 2.72 ± 0.97 for health functional foods on a 5-point scale, meaning ‘slightly satisfied’ and ‘slightly dissatisfied’, respectively. Females or students with an experience of weight-control reported poorer perceptions of their health and body image as well as a higher need for weight control. Besides, both male and female subjects felt a high need for correct information regarding weight-control methods. Conclusions: Our results provide a better understanding of the characteristics associated with the use of weight-control or health functional foods among university students and will be useful in developing a nutrition education program by incorporating correct body image, knowledge, and practical yet desirable practices for weight control.

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Consumption of protein supplements/protein-fortified foods among young adults in Jeju
Hyoju Lee, Youjeong Jang, Sumin Kim, Kyungho Ha
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2024; 57(2): 261. CrossRef
Differences in Nutritional Status According to the Residence Types among University Students in Gwangju
Geum-Bi Ryu, Young-Ran Heo
Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.2024; 53(2): 207. CrossRef
Association between weight loss agents and elevated liver enzymes: a population-based cross-sectional study
Ye-Jee Kim, Seo Young Kang, Mi-Sook Kim, Joongyub Lee, Bo Ram Yang
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
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Jiyoon Lee, Sung Suk Chung, Jeong Ok Rho
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2023; 56(2): 203. CrossRef
Relationship between Grip Strength, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and Nutrition Quotient among University Students in the Chungbuk Region
Ji-Won Kang, Yun-Jung Bae
Journal of Biotechnology and Bioindustry.2023; 11: 53. CrossRef
A Narrative Approach to the Diet History of Female College Students : Focusing on the Role of SNS and Social Media Influencers and Individuals’ Motivation for Dieting
Kyungbo Kim
Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies.2022; 66(3): 139. CrossRef
Consumption of Weight-control or Health Functional Foods, Dietary Habits, and Weight Perceptions According to the Body Mass Index of Adult Women in the Chungcheong Area
Gayoung Seong, Munkyong Pae
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2022; 27(2): 81. CrossRef
Relationship among Health Interest, Depression and Dietary Habits of College Students according to Sex in Seoul and Gyeonggi Areas
Kyung Ae Park, Jiwon Kim, Onjeong Cho, Kyunghee Song
Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life.2021; 31(4): 213. CrossRef
Body Image Perception, Weight Control and Dietary Behavior of University Students in Daejeon
Joon Ho Lee, Wei Hu
Korean Journal of Human Ecology.2017; 26(4): 353. CrossRef
Weight Control Behaviors, Health-related Quality of Life and Nutritional Status by Overestimation of Body Image among Young Korean Females: Data from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2010-2011
Seulki Park, Taisun Hyun, Hongmie Lee
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2015; 20(5): 362. CrossRef
Estimated dietary flavonoids intake of Korean adolescent: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007~2012
Seong-Ah Kim, Shinyoung Jun, Hyojee Joung
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2015; 48(6): 496. CrossRef
A Study on Food Habits and Nutrient Intakes according to BMI in Food and Nutrition Major and Non-major Female Students in Kyungnam University
Eun-Hee Seo
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2014; 19(4): 297. CrossRef
A Study on Dietary Habits, Body Satisfaction and Nutritional Knowledge by Body Image of Middle School Girl Students in Chungbuk Area
Jee-Young Yeon, Ki-Yong Shin, Soon-Kyu Lee, Hye-Young Lee, Baeg-Won Kang, Hye-Kyung Park
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2013; 18(5): 442. CrossRef

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[English]
Dietary Life of Chinese International Students according to the Frequency of University Foodservice Use in Korea: Yan Cui, Hye-Jong Yoo, Injoo Choi, Jihyun Yoon; Korean J Community Nutr 2020;25(4):291-302. Published online August 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2020.25.4.291

Abstract PDF

Objective
This study investigated the current use of university foodservice among Chinese international students in Korea, focusing on the relationship between the frequency of university foodservice use and their dietary life.
Methods
An online survey was conducted on 452 Chinese international students from February 6 to 12, 2020. The respondents were classified into “the Low-frequency group” (< one time/week; n=144), “the Mid-frequency group” (one-two times/week; n=133), and “the High-frequency group” (≥three times/week; n=175) according to their frequency of using university foodservice. The dietary life was compared among the three groups. Binominal logistic regression models were constructed to determine the associations between the frequency of university foodservice use and the changes in dietary life.
Results
More than 2/3 (68.1%) of the respondents used the university foodservice at least once per week. Chinese international students who were males and Han Chinese people, lived on campus, had stayed longer in Korea, and had no cooking facilities tended to use the university foodservice more often. The level of satisfaction with the university foodservice was not high (3.52 out of 5-points). Only 20% ate meals three times per day, and only 22% ate breakfast almost every day. The frequencies of overeating and skipping meals increased after studying in Korea. The frequency of university foodservice use, along with the length of residence in Korea, was associated with these negative changes in dietary life. Overeating (OR=2.11) and skipping meals (OR=1.79) were more likely to increase after studying in Korea in the Mid-frequency group than in the High-frequency group.
Conclusions
The frequency of university foodservice use was associated with the dietary life of Chinese international students in Korea. A high frequency (i.e. ≥three times/week) of using university foodservice may positively affect the dietary life of Chinese international students in Korea.

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Comparison of Sodium-Related Dietary Behavior and Low-Salt Dietary Attitude Based on the Gender and Salty Taste Assessment of Chinese International Students in the Jeonbuk Area
Qi Li, Ji Eun Lee, Jeong Ok Rho
Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life.2021; 31(2): 91. CrossRef

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[English]
Evaluation of Dietary Quality and Nutritional Status according to the Use of Nutrition Labeling and Nutrition Claims among University Students in Chungbuk Area - Based on Nutrition Quotient: Yun-Jung Bae, Seo Young Park, Hye-Rin Bak; Korean J Community Nutr 2020;25(3):179-188. Published online June 30, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2020.25.3.179

Abstract PDF

Objectives
The study examined the status on the use of nutrition labeling and nutrition claims among university students as well as the diet quality and nutritional status using the nutrition quotient (NQ) according to the use of nutrition labeling and claims.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on university students (86 males and 131 females) from March to April in 2019 in Chungbuk area.
Results
The percentage of subjects who reported that they recognized nutrition labeling was 80.2% of the total, and 63.8% of them indicated that they used nutrition labeling for their food choices. In addition, 22.6% of the total subjects said that they used nutrition claims. The group of subjects using nutrition labeling showed significantly higher mean scores in balance (P < 0.01), diversity (P < 0.05), moderation (P < 0.01), and dietary behavior (P < 0.001) along with higher mean NQ score (P < 0.001) compared to the group not using nutrition labeling. The group using nutrition claims had significantly higher mean scores in balance (P < 0.001), diversity (P < 0.01), moderation (P < 0.001), and dietary behavior (P < 0.001) as well as total NQ scores (P < 0.001) compared to the group not using nutrition claims. The group of subjects using both nutrition labeling and nutrition claims showed significantly higher mean NQ scores than the group of subjects using either nutrition labeling or nutrition claims (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
In this study, university students' use of nutrition labeling and nutrition claims appeared to be related to their diet quality and nutritional status.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Differences in Nutritional Status According to the Residence Types among University Students in Gwangju
Geum-Bi Ryu, Young-Ran Heo
Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.2024; 53(2): 207. CrossRef
Comparison of the nutrition quotient by types of eating behavior among male and female university students in Gwangju
Geum-Bi Ryu, Young-Ran Heo
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2023; 56(3): 277. CrossRef
Revision of Nutrition Quotient for Korean adults: NQ-2021
Sung-Min Yook, Young-Suk Lim, Jung-Sug Lee, Ki-Nam Kim, Hyo-Jeong Hwang, Sehyug Kwon, Ji-Yun Hwang, Hye-Young Kim
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2022; 55(2): 278. CrossRef
Effect of Type of Nutrition Labeling on the Healthfulness Evaluation and Purchase Intentions of Home Meal Replacements (HMR) in South Korea
Mee-Young Joe
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2022; 27(5): 387. CrossRef

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4 Crossref

Original Articles

[English]
Analysis of Factors Affecting Breakfast Eating Behavior of Children in Indonesia: An Application of the Health Belief Model: Ran Yi Kang, Soo Jin Lee, Ho Kyung Ryu; Korean J Community Nutr 2020;25(1):1-12. Published online February 29, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2020.25.1.1

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

OBJECTIVES
This study investigates the current state of consuming breakfast among elementary school students residing in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, and to identify factors that influence breakfast behavior.
METHODS
The research model was set up as per the health belief model, and slightly modified by adding the subjective normative factors of the theory of planned behavior. The survey was conducted from July 17 to August 15, 2017 using a questionnaire, after receiving the permission PNU IRB (2017_60_HR).
RESULTS
The subjects were 77 boys (49.4%) and 79 girls (50.6%) suffering from malnutrition with anemia (21.2%) and stunting ratio of Height for Age Z Score (HAZ) (11.5%). Furthermore, moderate weakness (14.8%) and overweight and obesity (12.3%) by Body Mass Index for Age Z Score (BMIZ) were coexistent. According to the results obtained for breakfast, 21.8% did not eat breakfast before school, with 18.8% of the reasons for skipping breakfast being attributed to lack of food. Even for subjects partaking breakfast, only about 10% had a good balanced diet. The average score of behavioral intention on eating breakfast was 2.60 Â± 0.58. The perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy of the health belief model correlated with breakfast behavior. Of these, self-efficacy (Î²=0.447, RÂ²=0.200) and perceived sensitivity (Î²=0.373, RÂ²=0.139) had the greatest effect on breakfast behavior. Mother was the largest impact person among children.
CONCLUSIONS
In order to increase the level of breakfast behavior intention among children surveyed in Indonesia, we determined the effectiveness by focus on education which helps the children recognize to be more likely to get sick when they don't have breakfast, and increase their confidence in ability to have breakfast on their own. We believe there is a necessity to seek ways to provide indirect intervention through mothers, as well as impart direct nutrition education to children.

Citations

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Analysis of the factors that influence preschool children eating behavior by applying the health belief model: Seoul and Gyeonggi Province
Sung-Mi Cha, Soo-Youn Kim
Nutrition Research and Practice.2023; 17(3): 541. CrossRef
Evaluation of dietary behavior and investigation of the affecting factors among preschoolers in Busan and Gyeongnam area using nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P)
Soo-Youn Kim, Sung-Mi Cha
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2020; 53(6): 596. CrossRef
Psychoactive substance use among Chinese non-engaged youth: The application of the Health Belief Model
Phoenix Kit-han Mo, Joseph Tak Fai Lau
Children and Youth Services Review.2020; 113: 105008. CrossRef

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[English]
Sleep Quality and Its Association with the Dietary Behavior and Lifestyle of University Students in Cheongju: Sewhan Jin, Munkyong Pae; Korean J Community Nutr 2019;24(5):395-407. Published online October 31, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2019.24.5.395

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