Eating habits, physical activity, nutrition knowledge, and self-efficacy by obesity status in upper-grade elementary school students

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESChildhood obesity has increased in recent decades in Korea. This study was designed to examine differences in the eating habits, physical activity (PA), nutrition knowledge, and self-efficacy of children by obesity status.SUBJECTS/METHODSSubjects were 5th-grade children from 70 elementary schools in 17 cities nationwide. Two-stage stratified cluster sampling was employed. Survey questionnaire included items related to general characteristics, eating habits, PA, nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy. Excluding incomplete responses, 3,531 data were analyzed using SPSS. Subjects were categorized into overweight·obesity (OW) and normal weight (NW) groups based on body mass index percentiles for age by sex.RESULTSA total of 21.5% of subjects was overweight or obese. There were significant differences in gender, perceived stress, perception of body shape, body satisfaction, and interest in weight control between the OW and NW groups (P < 0.001). With respect to eating habits, the OW group ate breakfast (P < 0.05) and snacks (P < 0.01) less frequently, ate bigger meals (P < 0.001), and demonstrated less desirable behaviors during meals (P <0.05 in boys) compared to the NW group. The OW group participated in less PA than the NW group, especially boys. OW boys spent less time walking during weekdays (P < 0.05) or the weekend (P < 0.001), spent more time being sedentary during weekdays or the weekend (P < 0.001), and exercised a fewer number of days (P < 0.01). For girls, the OW group spent more time being sedentary during the weekend (P < 0.01) and exercised a fewer number of days by walking or bicycle riding (P < 0.05) than the NW group. Nutrition knowledge was not significantly different between the OW and NW groups. Self-efficacy (P < 0.01 in boys), especially PA self-efficacy (P < 0.01), was significantly lower in the OW than NW group.CONCLUSIONSThis study revealed differences in eating habits, PA, and self-efficacy between OW and NW children. Obesity management programs for children need to focus on increasing self-efficacy, modifying eating habits, and increasing PA.

Determinants of Physical Activity for Latino and White Middle School‐Aged Children

“…These data led us to investigate in this population specifically. Further, although numerous studies have shown the linkage between sedentary or physically active behaviors and biological, psychological and the previously mentioned determinants in adolescents; data examined relationships between PA and children's food knowledge/dietary practice are limited . Both physically active lifestyle and healthy eating habits are equally important to optimize one's well‐being.…”

“…Further, although numerous studies 29,42 have shown the linkage between sedentary or physically active behaviors and biological, psychological and the previously mentioned determinants in adolescents; data examined relationships between PA and children's food knowledge/dietary practice are limited. 21,43 Both physically active lifestyle and healthy eating habits are equally important to optimize one's well-being. Understanding the relationship between PA and adolescents' food knowledge and eating practice will further enhance the obesity prevention community's knowledge to tackle the global epidemic.…”

Determining the differences in nutrition knowledge, dietary behaviors, physical activity and self-efficacy behaviors based on obesity status among adolescents

“…No significant difference was found between normal weight and overweight / obese group based on exercise behavior in this study. In the study by Ha et al, the exercise behaviors were found to be lower in overweight and obese adolescents (Ha et al, 2016).…”

“…In addition, it is thought that effective and continuous nutrition training is necessary for adolescents to covert the information taught into behaviors. Studies support that nutritional behavior is higher in the overweight and obese group (Ha et al 2016;Lee, Jeong & Park, 2003).The studies have reveal that there is no difference between the normal weight and overweight/obese groups in terms of adolescents' nutrition knowledge (Ha et al, 2016;Şanlıer, Konaklıoğlu & Güçer,2009). Self-efficacy behaviors are lower in the overweight and obese group (Ha et al, 2016).…”

“…According to the data of Turkey, 14.2% of the adolescents are overweight and 8.3% are obese (COSI-TR, 2013). The possibility of overweight and obese children to have chronic health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, ischemic heart disease, and cancer at young ages and obese in adulthood increases (CDC, 2016;Ha et al, 2016;WHO,2016). However, obese individuals may experience social, emotional disorders and low self-esteem.…”