Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare menu patterns by sex and age (3-6, 7-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65 over years old) between the 1998 and 2001 National Health and Nutrition Surveys of Korea. Frequently consumed menu patterns were investigated using the 24-hour recall data for 19,809 subjects (1998:10,102; 2001:9,707). To analyze patterns, dishes were classified into 29 categories by cooking method (KHIDI 2003). The results are as follows: the most frequent menu patterns were "rice + soup + kimchi" and "rice + stew + kimchi" in both men and women in both 1998 and 2001. Intake frequency of these menu patterns, a traditional Korean menu pattern, was higher with increased age. Intake frequency of "noodles" and "bread" increased in 2001 in both men and women, compared to 1998. And these patterns increased in the younger age groups, especially women in their twenties. Menu patterns of 2001 showed greater variety than those of 1998. Overall, the men's menu patterns showed more side dishes than those of women; intake frequencies of "seasoned vegetables", "stir-fried foods", and "grilled foods" were higher in men than in women. In short, so far the main menu pattern has been "rice-style" in both men and women, and in all age groups in Korea, whereas the Western menu pattern is increasing in younger age groups. The diet of 2001 showed more side dishes than that of the 1998 menu pattern; however, certain groups such as female and males in adolescents and young adults were still a simple menu pattern. Consequently, to make recommended menu patterns and nutrition education programs for Koreans should take into consideration sex and age.

• Keywords: menu analysis; dietary pattern; sex; age; National Health and Nutrition Survey