Korean J Community Nutr.  2017 Feb;22(1):1-12. 10.5720/kjcn.2017.22.1.1.

High School Students' Sugar Intake Behaviors and Consumption of Sugary Processed Food Based on the Level of Sugar-related Nutrition Knowledge in Seoul Area

• Joo N
• Kim SK
• Yoon JY

• KMID: 2371813
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2017.22.1.1

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to investigate high school students' sugar intake behaviors, the status of consuming sugary processed foods, the awareness of sugar, and the experience and interest in sugar-related education based on the level of sugar-related nutrition knowledge.
METHODS
In this study, five high schools were selected in Seoul, Korea, and a survey was conducted in 400 students on the level of sugar-related nutrition knowledge and sugar intake status. A total of 349 questionnaires were used for the final analysis. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics was performed; a t-test, χ2 test, and Friedman test were used for comparative analysis.
RESULTS
The study results showed a positive association between the knowledge level of sugar and the appropriate sugar intake behavior and sugary food choices. The group with more nutrition knowledge on sugar was found to have good eating habits and to eat less sugary food. The main sources of sugar were beverages, confectionary, and bakery goods in the corresponding order, irrespective of the level of nutrition knowledge related to sugar. A significant difference was found in the groups' awareness of the sugar content of the drinks with 89.4% for the higher-knowledge group, and only 81.5% for the lower-knowledge group (p < 0.05). Results also showed that 43.9% of the higher-knowledge group and 36.4% of the lower knowledge group were interested in participating in education on sugar.
CONCLUSIONS
This study result indicated the need to help adolescents to avoid excessive sugar intake from only certain favorite foods. Therefore, it is necessary to seek a systematic foundation for participatory education in order for them to maintain a low sugar intake in daily life and lead healthy eating habits by increasing their level of sugar-related information and knowledge.

Keyword

High school students; Sugar-related nutrition knowledge; Sugar intake behavior; Consumption of sugary processed food

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Beverages
Eating
Education
Humans
Korea
Seoul*

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