Dietary Behaviors, Self-Perception of Health and Body Image, Hematological Index and Nutrient Intake of Adolescents in Incheon

초록

The purpose of this study was to investigate dietary behaviors, self-perception of health and body image, hematological index and nutrient intake of adolescents. The subjects were 659 boys and 584 girls in Incheon. This cross-sectional survey was conducted by a self-administered questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were obtained and analyzed for hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. Nutrient intakes collected from 3 day-recalls were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 10.0 program. Most students have had dietary problems such as unbalanced meals, overeating, skipping meals, and salty and spicy meals. More than 75% of male and female students in middle and high schools skipped meals. Female middle school students perceived their health status significantly better compared to female high school students. As for perception of body image, female high school students perceived themselves significantly fatter compared to female middle school students. Average total cholesterol level of female middle school students was significantly higher compared to female high school students. Nutrient intakes of the male and female students except phosphorus were lower than the Korean RDA. Especially, calcium and iron intakes of male and female students were under the 65% of the Korean RDA. Therefore, proper nutrition education is required for Korean adolescents to encourage desirable food habits and improve their nutritional status.