Evaluation of dietary behaviors of preschool children in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do associated with the level of parents' health consciousness: using nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P)

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the dietary behaviors of preschool children using the nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P) and analyzed the difference in the scores of the children's dietary behaviors in regards to the parents' health consciousness. SUBJECTS/METHODS The subjects were 257 children aged 3–5 years and their parents residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The questionnaire is composed of demographic characteristics, the NQ-P questions, and health consciousness. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS program (ver. 25.0) and the statistical differences in variables were evaluated by χ 2 test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS There was a significant difference on the intake frequency of processed meat by region and fast foods by age, region, and weight status ( P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in not moving around while eating by weight status and parents' effort to have healthy eating habits by sex ( P < 0.05). The mean score of NQ-P of the total subjects was 59.47, which was within the medium-low grade. The mean score of balance was 61.62, and the boys were significantly higher than girls ( P < 0.05). As the age of children increased, the mean score of the moderation was significantly decreased ( P < 0.05). The scores of NQ-P ( P < 0.05), balance ( P < 0.01), and environment ( P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the high group of parents' health consciousness than the low group. CONCLUSIONS According to the results of the evaluation by NQ-P, the dietary behaviors of preschoolers residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do need to be improved. For improving their eating behavior and nutritional health status, parents and children need customized nutrition education programs based on sex, age, region and weight status of preschool children as well as the degree of parents' health consciousness.

Anthropometric Parameters and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Preschool Children in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia—Are They Related?

“…For preschool children, a healthy nourishment characterized by an adequate and balanced nutritional intake alone can ensure proper physical growth as well as cognitive and emotional development, a feeling of satiety and sufficient physical ability [1]. In this preschool period, children shape their dietary patterns by developing independent feeding skills and forming their own food preferences [2].…”

“…In addition to the direct effect on growth and development, inadequate nutrition can affect the occurrence of certain chronic non-communicable diseases in childhood such as cardiovascular diseases, obstructive sleep apnea and psychosocial problems [3]. Given that eating habits acquired in childhood might continue into adulthood [4] and increase the risk of the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and arteriosclerosis especially in children with persistent obesity [5,6], it is important to provide children with quality nutrition and allow them to adopt proper eating habits [1]. On the other hand, overnutrition, which leads to children becoming overweight and obese because of their excessive intake of energy dense food and a sedentary lifestyle, is a rapidly growing problem in European countries [3] and as such in Croatia.…”

Okul Öncesindeki Çocukların Beslenme Alışkanlıklarının Büyüme ve Gelişmeleri Üzerine Etkisi

“…Çocuk sağlığının temel göstergesi olan büyüme ve gelişmenin izlenmesi, çocuğun hastalık durumunun erken tanılanmasında, beslenmesinin değerlendirilmesinde önemli yere sahiptir. Büyüme ve gelişmenin izlenmesindeki amaç, çocuğun büyümesinde meydana gelen duraksama ya da yavaşlamaları erken dönemde fark ederek ortaya çıkabilecek yetersiz beslenme durumunu önlemektir (8).…”

Analysis of the factors that influence preschool children eating behavior by applying the health belief model: Seoul and Gyeonggi Province

“…Recently, changes in the dietary environment and household structure have led to problems such as an unbalanced nutrient intake, skipping breakfast, frequent eating out, and irregular eating habits among Korean children [ 5 6 7 ]. The seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VIII-2 [ 8 ] reported that 3.4% of 3- to 5-year-olds have an insufficient nutritional intake and 17.8% have an excessive energy intake.…”