J Nutr Health.  2020 Dec;53(6):596-612. 10.4163/jnh.2020.53.6.596.

Evaluation of dietary behavior and investigation of the affecting factors among preschoolers in Busan and Gyeongnam area using nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P)

• Kim SY
• Cha SM

• KMID: 2510208
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2020.53.6.596

Abstract

Purpose
This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary behaviors of preschool children using the nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P) and investigate factors that influence NQ-P in preschool children.
Methods
Subjects were 214 parents with children aged 3-5 years residing in Busan and Gyeongnam, Korea. The survey was conducted from March to April, 2019 using a questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, the NQ-P questions, and health consciousness. All data was statistically analyzed by the SPSS program (Ver 25.0) and the statistical differences in variables were evaluated by the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's multiple comparison test.
Results
The mean score of NQ-P of the total subjects was 58.28, which was within the medium-low grade. The mean score of ‘balance’ was 60.08, ‘moderation’ was 47.64, and ‘environment’ was 67.83. The analysis of related-factors influencing NQ-P scores showed that there was a significant difference according to the frequency of dining out. The scores of theNQ-P (p < 0.05), moderation (p < 0.001), and environment (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the 1–2 times per week group compare to 3–4 times and 5–6 times per week group. The scores of NQ-P (p < 0.01), environment (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the high group of parents’ health consciousness compared to the those with low health consciousness.
Conclusion
According to the results of the evaluation by NQ-P, the dietary behaviors of preschool children residing in Busan and Gyeongnam need to be improved and monitored. For improving their eating behavior and nutritional health status, preschool children and their parents need proper nutrition education programs.

Keyword

nutrition assessment; eating behavior; children; health; consciousness