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- Research Article 강원도 농촌 지역의 건강•영양 문제 진단과 맞춤형 영양관리 방향 도출: 혼합방법 연구
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장은진1)
, 김진현2),3), 장준혁2),3), 이은서2),3), 한다혜2),3), 정사랑4), 박소현5),6),† - Assessment of health and nutrition issues and strategic directions for tailored nutrition management in a rural area of Gangwon Province, Korea: a mixed-methods study
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Eunjin Jang1), Jinhyun Kim2),3), Junhyeok Jang2),3), Eunseo Lee2),3), Dahye Han2),3), Sarang Jeong4), Sohyun Park5),6),†
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2026.00178
Published online: July 1, 2026
1)한림대학교 한국영양연구소 연구원
2)한림대학교 식품영양학과 석사과정생
3)한림대학교 한국영양연구소 석사과정생
4)동덕여자대학교 산학협력단 연구교수
5)한림대학교 식품영양학과 교수
6)한림대학교 한국영양연구소 교수
1)Researcher, The Korean Institute of Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
2)Master’s Student, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
3)Master’s Student, The Korean Institute of Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
4)Research Professor, Industry-Academy Collaboration Foundation, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul, Korea
5)Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
6)Professor, The Korean Institute of Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
Received: 13 May 2026 • Revised: 8 June 2026 • Accepted: 16 June 2026
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Abstract
Objectives
Rural areas face distinct health and nutrition challenges, including limited healthcare access and rapid population aging. This study assessed health and nutrition challenges in a rural area of Gangwon Province, South Korea, and identified directions for tailored nutrition management using a mixed-methods approach.
Methods
A sequential mixed-methods design was applied. Community Health Survey (CHS) data (2020–2024) were analyzed to compare health indicators across national, provincial, and local levels. Baseline quantitative data were obtained from a community-based cohort of adults aged 20–69 years (n = 403). Qualitative data were collected through focus group interviews with residents and local stakeholders. A needs assessment survey (n = 98) identified program demand and priorities. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data using framework analysis.
Results
CHS data showed that obesity prevalence in the study area was higher than that in national and provincial averages, particularly among young and middle-aged adults. The cohort data showed an obesity prevalence of approximately 45%, with no significant age-group differences. Older adults had higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated blood pressure, and impaired glucose metabolism. Age-specific dietary imbalances were observed, with higher fat intake among younger adults and excessive carbohydrate intake among older adults; sodium intake exceeded recommended levels across all age groups. Focus group interviews revealed structural constraints on health behaviors, including limited food access, seasonal and geographic barriers, and rural lifestyle patterns involving frequent alcohol use. In the needs assessment, perceived seriousness of obesity was low, whereas demand for nutrition programs and willingness to participate were high.
Conclusion
Health and nutrition problems in this rural setting may reflect individual behaviors and structural and environmental constraints. Preventive, family-based strategies targeting young and middle-aged adults are warranted. Tailored interventions integrating dietary improvement, physical activity, and local context are needed to reduce health disparities and improve community health.
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