J Nutr Health.  2024 Dec;57(6):653-666. 10.4163/jnh.2024.57.6.653.

Analysis of the characteristics of dietary information acquisition and perceptions on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans among Korean adults

• Kim SH
• Joung H

• KMID: 2564172
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2024.57.6.653

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the characteristics of dietary information acquisition and perceptions on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) and related guidelines, the Food Balance Wheel and Target Pattern, focusing on the differences according to gender and experience of acquiring dietary information.
Methods
Five hundred and fourteen Korean adults aged 19–64 years participated in an online survey and were categorized according to gender and whether they had experience acquiring dietary information. The differences in the general characteristics, dietary behaviors, and perceptions of KDRIs and related guidelines were analyzed using χ 2 tests.
Results
Among the participants, 68.1% reported having experience acquiring dietary information, with a higher proportion of women (76.2%) than men (60.1%). Women with such experiences were older, more physically active, experienced in diet management, and showed greater interest in healthy eating and dietary information (p < 0.05 for all). Men with experience also had more diet management experience and showed higher interest in healthy eating and dietary information (p < 0.05 for all). Dietary information was acquired primarily from the Internet, followed by mass media, online video platforms, and social media. The major inconvenience in using dietary information was the lack of tailored content and insufficient detail. The awareness of KDRIs and related guidelines was higher among those with experience in acquiring dietary information. On the other hand, understanding and applicability of these guidelines showed no significant differences across groups.
Conclusion
This study found that the proportion of individuals acquiring nutrition information varied according to gender and lifestyle behaviors. Most participants acquired information primarily through the Internet. The awareness of KDRIs and related guidelines was higher among those with experience in acquiring dietary information. These findings suggest that the strategies for providing nutrition information should consider the characteristics of Korean adults to improve effectiveness.

Keyword

Dietary Reference Intakes; dietary guidelines; perception; information source; Korea