Perception of Vegetarian Day and Its Association with the Nutrition Quotient of Adolescents in Daejeon
10.14373/JKDA.2025.31.2.91
- Author:
Bo-Young LYUM
1
;
Su-Ryeon HAN
;
Yun-Jung BAE
;
Mi-Kyeong CHOI
Author Information
1. Major in Nutrition Education, Graduate School of Education, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
2025;31(2):91-100
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The need to implement vegetarian meal plans in school meals to promote sustainable eating among adolescents is increasing. This study examined students’ perceptions of a vegetarian day, and its association with dietary quality. This study surveyed 372 adolescents (230 males, 142 females) in Daejeon, Korea, assessing their perceptions of a vegetarian day and their nutrition quotient for adolescents (NQ-A). The perception of a vegetarian day was 3.21 out of 5, showing no significant gender difference. Among all participants, the item “I think a vegetarian day will help students’ health” received the highest score (3.67). The item “I think a vegetarian day is about respecting the diversity of students” scored significantly higher among females than males, whereas the item “It is better to include meat substitutes as well as mixed grains, beans, vegetables and fruits on a vegetarian day” scored lower among females than males. Correlation analysis showed that the perceptions of a vegetarian day were significantly positively associated with the total NQ-A score and the moderation domain score in all participants. Based on these findings, efforts should be made to enhance the positive perceptions of a vegetarian day among adolescents while exploring various approaches to its effective implementation.
