Variation in Meal-skipping Rates of Korean Adolescents According to Socio-economic Status: Results of the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey.
- Author:
Seri HONG
1
;
Hong Chul BAE
;
Hyun Soo KIM
;
Eun Cheol PARK
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. ecpark@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Meal skipping;
Social class;
Adolescent;
Eating habits
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Adolescent Behavior;
Body Mass Index;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Data Collection;
*Feeding Behavior;
Female;
Humans;
Internet;
Logistic Models;
Male;
Odds Ratio;
Republic of Korea;
*Social Class;
Socioeconomic Factors;
Stress, Psychological
- From:Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
2014;47(3):158-168
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate the trend of meal-skipping rates among Korean adolescents with their contributing causes and the influence of household income level on meal skipping. METHODS: Using 2008, 2010, and 2012 data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey of 222 662 students, a cross-sectional study with subgroup analysis was performed. We calculated odds ratios for skipping each meal 5 or more times in a week by household socio-economic status using a multiple logistic regression model. The secular change in the meal-skipping rates by the students' family affluence scale was analyzed by comparing the meal-skipping students within each subgroup and odds ratios for the same event over time. RESULTS: Through 2008 to 2012, most of the meal-skipping rates generally showed a continuous increase or were almost unchanged in both sexes, except for breakfast skipping in several subgroups. Students in low-income households not living with both parents had the highest meal-skipping rates and odds ratios for frequent meal skipping. In a time-series subgroup analysis, the overall odds ratios for the same event increased during 2008 to 2012, with a slight reduction in the gap between low and higher income levels with regard to meal skipping during 2010 to 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Household socio-economic status and several other factors had a significant influence on Korean adolescent meal-skipping rates. Although the gap in eating behavior associated with household socio-economic differences is currently decreasing, further study and appropriate interventions are needed.
