Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate housewives' perception, interest and consumption of health drinks made in a health food stores, and to assess the relationship between nutritionally-related-variables and the consumption of health drinks. Data was collected from 518 housewives in Chonnam province. Among many items which housewives perceived about health drinks, three factors of 'preference health-care', 'quality convenience' and 'price' were found to be represented. Housewives' perception of 'preference health-care' was negatively correlated with nutritional knowledge. However, a positive correlation between the 'quality convenience' and eating habits was found. Consumption of health drinks was positively correlated with the diet management score, the perception and interest in health drinks. However, the inverse relationship between consumption of health drinks and nutritional knowledge was observed. Multiple regression analysis showed that the interest and factors of perception of health drinks. Consumption of health drinks was not based upon accurate knowledge concerning nutrition, but was based upon the consumers' perception of taste preference and healthful quality. Therefore, there is a need to educate consumers about the nutritional value of health drinks and how to use nutritional supplements.

• Keywords: perception; interest & consumption of health drinks; eating habit; nutritional knowledge; diet management