Development and Evaluation of a Nutrition Education Website for the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity.
10.5720/kjcn.2012.17.4.390
- Author:
Miyong YON
1
;
Chan PARK
;
Kwan Hee YOO
;
Taisun HYUN
Author Information
1. Nutrition Policy Team, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Chungbuk, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
childhood obesity;
weight control;
nutrition education;
website
- MeSH:
Body Weight;
Child;
Comprehension;
Energy Intake;
Energy Metabolism;
Food Habits;
Health Expenditures;
Humans;
Motor Activity;
Obesity;
Parents;
Self-Assessment;
Track and Field
- From:Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
2012;17(4):390-406
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Childhood obesity has rapidly increased worldwide and is one of the most serious health problems in this age group. In order to prevent and manage childhood obesity, we developed a nutrition education website. The website consisted of three parts. The first part was made for self-assessment with regard to obesity index, dietary habits, food frequency, dietary attitude, nutrition knowledge, nutrient intake, energy expenditure, and the stage of behavioral change, and tailored messages and advice according to the assessment results. A total of 612 real-size food photos as well as a nutrient database of 3,346 foods and 541 dishes were created to help children estimate nutrient intakes accurately. In addition, an energy expenditure database of 156 activities for children was established to calculate calorie consumption. The second part was made for setting long-term and short-term goals and keeping track of the changes in energy intake and expenditure in one's own page. The third part was made for education. Various types of nutrition information were provided; texts, pictures, calculators and games. The readability and design of the website were evaluated by 46 obese children. Usefulness, design and readability of the website were found to be desirable for children. This website is expected to be used by an obese child alone or with parents or nutrition teachers in order to control body weight through healthy dietary habits and physical activities. In addition, a non-obese child can also use this website for maintaining healthy dietary habits and preventing obesity.
