J Nutr Health.  2023 Dec;56(6):730-741. 10.4163/jnh.2023.56.6.730.

Application and effectiveness of a nutrition education program based on the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans for undergraduates in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeonggi-do

• Choi M
• Jung H
• Kim N
• Shin S
• Woo T
• Park E

• KMID: 2550534
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2023.56.6.730

Abstract

Purpose
The 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) serves as a foundation for daily nutrient and energy recommendations aiming to enhance public health and prevent chronic diseases. They act as guidelines for maintaining proper nutrition and overall health. Using KDRIs is crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles and making informed dietary choices. Thus, this study explores the influence of a nutrition education program, based on the 2020 KDRIs, on the nutrition knowledge and dietary habits of undergraduates in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeonggi-do.
Methods
The nutrition education program, designed with diverse instructional materials, was executed across a wide range of universities. The education group (n = 75) engaged in the program for a 6-week instructional period, while the control group (n = 53) underwent the survey without participating in the education program. Nutrition Quotient (NQ) and knowledge assessments were administered to both groups immediately before and after the instructional period.
Results
Within the education group, the nutrition education program positively impacted responses to NQ practice items, including knowledge of nutrition, daily intake, and portion sizes (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences between the before and after responses of the control group for most survey items. Post-program evaluations showed significantly higher self-assessment scores and increased satisfaction levels (p < 0.05), with the satisfaction rate for the education program using the 2020 KDRIs reaching 99.2%.
Conclusion
This study has demonstrated the positive impact of an effective nutrition education program. However, there is a need for the continuous development and implementation of nutrition education programs to sustain these outcomes and further enhance the nutritional education experience.

Keyword

dietary reference intake; education; dietary habits; knowledge; health services