Assessment of the dietary quality among Chinese adults living in Shanghai and the Anhui Province using the Nutrition Quotient for adults
10.4163/jnh.2025.58.1.117
- Author:
Ani LIU
1
;
Ji-Yun HWANG
Author Information
1. Department of Foodservice Management and Nutrition, Graduate School, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:Journal of Nutrition and Health
2025;58(1):117-130
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to evaluate the dietary quality and nutritional status of Chinese adults and investigate the factors related to dietary scores using the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) developed for Korean adults.
Methods:An online questionnaire survey including the NQ was administered to 424 Chinese adults residing in Shanghai and parts of the Anhui Province. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors related to NQ scores.
Results:The mean NQ scores were as follows: balance (35.9), diversity (61.0), moderation (77.1), and dietary behavior (49.4), with an overall average NQ score of 57.2. Subjects were categorized into three levels of NQ: high 40.1%, middle 43.6%, and low 16.3%. After adjusting for confounding variables, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that age was positively associated with the total and subcomponent NQ scores, while the frequency of eating out was negatively associated with the same. Living alone was negatively related to balance, but positively related to diversity. Singles had lower diversity scores. Compared to the residents of second- or third-tier cities, those living in the countryside or village areas had lower balance scores, whereas the inhabitants of first-tier cities had lower moderation scores but higher dietary behavior scores. Female participants scored lower on dietary behavior. Age and eating out emerged as significant factors related to NQ items.
Conclusion:Applying the Korean adult NQ to Chinese adults revealed relatively low balance scores, indicating a need for tailored assessment tools and educational programs to enhance the dietary quality and nutritional status among Chinese adults. Further research is warranted to explore the determinants of low dietary balance scores in this population.
