Body-related Perspectives and Weight Control Methods of Korean-Chinese Nursing School Students in Yanbian, China: A Pilot Study.
10.24171/j.phrp.2017.8.4.08
- Author:
Jounghee LEE
1
;
Meixiang JIN
;
Heejung SON
;
Wenying CUI
Author Information
1. Department of Nutrition Education, Graduate School of Education, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Korea. joungheelee@kgu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
body weight;
weight loss;
weight perception;
college students;
China
- MeSH:
Body Size;
Body Weight;
China*;
Diet;
Diuretics;
Education;
Female;
Humans;
Laxatives;
Male;
Methods*;
Nursing*;
Overweight;
Pilot Projects*;
Schools, Nursing*;
Steam Bath;
Thinness;
Weight Loss;
Weight Perception
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2017;8(4):275-281
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at identifying the current nutrition knowledge, body-related perspectives, and weight control behaviors of Korean-Chinese college students. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study by employing a healthy weight education program targeting Korean-Chinese nursing school students at the Yanbian University of Science and Technology in Yanbian, China. RESULTS: This pilot study included 40 participants (38 women and 2 men; mean age, 20.5 years). The current weight status of the participants was as follows: 7.9% underweight, 78.9% normal weight, 7.9% overweight, and 5.3% obese. However, nearly two-thirds of the participants were dissatisfied with their current body size (43.6% a little dissatisfied; 20.5% very dissatisfied). Fifty percent of the participants perceived their current body size as being either slightly fat (35.0%) or very fat (15.0%). The following unhealthy weight control methods were commonly used among the 24 participants who practiced weight control: (1) laxatives or diuretics (91.7%), (2) saunas or spas (87.5%), and (3) a one-food diet (79.2%). In addition, the nutrition knowledge of the participants increased by 24 points from 117 points (pretest) to 141 points (posttest) through the healthy weight education program. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate an urgent need to educate Korean-Chinese college students on healthy weight control methods and body-related perspectives.
