Nutr Res Pract.  2014 Jun;8(3):312-318.

Structural relations in the effect of convenience food satisfaction and quality of life according to dietary style: Comparative study of singles in metropolitan area of Korea, Japan and China

• Kim B
• Joo N

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
Due to recent changes in social structure, single-person households are on the rise worldwide and therefore the interest in the quality of life of singles is increasing, but the research on the relationships related to their diet-related quality of life is scarce. This research analyzes the structural relations in the effect of convenience food satisfaction and quality of life according to dietary style of Korean, Japanese and Chinese singles.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
The targets of this study were Korean, Japanese, and Chinese singles, identified as adults between the ages of 25 and 54, having economic capabilities or working and living alone, either legally or in actuality having no partner. A statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS12.0 for Windows and SEM using AMOS 5.0 statistics package. The reliability of these findings was supported by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.6 and higher for all the factors. In an attempt to study the level of satisfaction with convenience food in accordance to dietary style and the quality of life of singles, a structural equation model was constructed and analyzed.
RESULTS
Of the three countries, regarding the effect of dietary style on singles' quality of life, the convenience-oriented style was found to have a negative effect on Korean singles' overall quality of life, but a positive effect on Japanese singles' overall quality of life, and a negative effect on Chinese singles' positive psychological aspect of quality of life. In addition, although Chinese singles have a high level of interest in health, they have an overall high level of satisfaction regarding fast food and its nutritional value.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of singles in Korea, Japan, and China has been consistently increasing in recent years, and there is a need for continuous interest in their healthy dietary lifestyles in terms of convenience, economy, and taste.

Keyword

Singles; SEM; dietary lifestyle; convenience food satisfaction; quality of life

MeSH Terms

Adult
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
China*
Family Characteristics
Fast Foods*
Humans
Japan*
Korea
Life Style
Nutritive Value
Quality of Life*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The research model

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  Fig. 2 Comparison of Korean, Japanese and Chinese singles' structural equation model of dietary style and convenience food satisfaction

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  Fig. 3 Comparison of Korean, Japanese and Chinese singles' structural equation model of convenience food satisfaction and quality of life

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  Fig. 4 Comparison of Korean, Japanese and Chinese singles' structural equation model of dietary style and quality of life

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