The Analysis of Internet Usage for Nutritional Information by Junior and High School Students in Seoul

Abstract

For the purpose of developing 'internet nutritional education program', this study analyzed the actual states of internet nutritional information of middle/high school students. Survey questionnaires were distributed from October 21, 2002 to October 26,2002 to a total of 564 students at three junior high schools and five senior high schools located in Seoul. The total number of questionnaires collected and used in our study was 479, which is 84.9% of the total questionnaires distributed. According to the survey results, we found significant difference in the nutritional information source between middle and high school students (p<0.05) , and two groups responded that effective nutrition information material is 'electronic materials'. Most of the respondents connected with internet more than 1 times per day, but a large number of students were not experienced in using nutrition information of the internet. All groups were using nutrition information of the internet for homework, and satisfaction level of using nutrition information of the internet were an average. Effective methods for acquiring nutrition information of internet were 'educational game' for middle school students and 'bulletin board (Q & A)' for high school students. Moreover the factor analysis for internet nutritional information program's characteristics showed that 'instructing plans', 'contents of study & technical support', 'availability' and 'interaction' were important considerations for developing internet nutritional information program. We found out through our analysis that was a strong need for a more practical and effective internet nutritional education program for middle and high school students.