Objectives: This study aimed to develop a campus-based intervention program to enhance food literacy (FL) among university students. Methods: In the initial phase, we conducted a literature review of FL intervention studies and held in-depth interviews with university students to identify facilitators and barriers to improving and practicing FL. Expert counseling sessions were conducted with nutrition education, marketing, and service design professionals. The results of this phase led to the creation of an initial curriculum draft. In the second phase, a follow-up survey was conducted with young adults to assess the acceptability of the developed curriculum. After the follow-up survey, additional meetings were conducted with the aforementioned experts, and the curriculum was further refined based on their input. Results: An 11-week FL intervention program was devised using constructs from the Social Cognitive Theory. The weekly curriculum consisted of 90-min theory-based and 90-min hands-on experience sessions. Three primary aspects of FL were covered: nutrition and food safety, cultural and relational dimensions, and socio-ecological aspects. Program highlights included cooking sessions for crafting traditional Korean desserts, lectures on animal welfare, insights into zero-waste practices, and communal eating experiences. Based on the study team’s previous research, the program also addressed mindful eating, helping participants understand the relationship with their eating habits, and providing strategies to manage negative emotions without resorting to food. Yoga sessions and local farm visits were incorporated into the curriculum to promote holistic well-being. Conclusions This study elucidated the comprehensive process of creating a campus-based curriculum to enhance FL among university students, a group particularly susceptible to problematic eating behaviors and low FL levels. The developed program can serve as a blueprint for adaptation to other campuses seeking to bolster students’ FL.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: As awareness of climate change increases, the relevance of environmental education in dietary choices gains prominence. Although diversely defined, food literacy (FL) is increasingly recognized as the ability to make food choices with an awareness of environmental sustainability. This study aims to conduct a pilot implementation and assess the effectiveness of a program developed to improve FL among university students. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study spanned from August 2022 to February 2023, involving 92 participants (42 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group). Over 11 weeks, the program included cooking classes, local farm visits, and environmental impact lectures developed through extensive literature reviews and interviews with students and experts. FL was measured using a 33-item survey along with basic sociodemographic factors. After the intervention, both groups participated in qualitative interviews. All statistical analyses were carried out in Stata/SE version 17.0, and interview data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel using the framework analysis method. RESULTS: The FL scores of the intervention group improved significantly from an average of 65.8 to 69.6 points (P = 0.015), with notable gains in the socio-ecological domain in FL from 65.3 to 71.5 points (P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis comparing FL between the intervention and control groups found that only the knowledge items were marginally significant (P = 0.054), with no statistically significant difference in the practice aspect before and after the intervention (P = 0.657). The interviews revealed that the intervention group experienced broadened perspectives and heightened environmental consciousness, although translating these into practice was challenged by unchanged daily routines. CONCLUSION This pilot program effectively enhanced some aspects of FL-related knowledge of participants. High satisfaction among participants and no dropouts indicated its potential for scaling. Future programs will benefit from strategies that facilitate the transition from educational improvement to practical application.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: As awareness of climate change increases, the relevance of environmental education in dietary choices gains prominence. Although diversely defined, food literacy (FL) is increasingly recognized as the ability to make food choices with an awareness of environmental sustainability. This study aims to conduct a pilot implementation and assess the effectiveness of a program developed to improve FL among university students. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study spanned from August 2022 to February 2023, involving 92 participants (42 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group). Over 11 weeks, the program included cooking classes, local farm visits, and environmental impact lectures developed through extensive literature reviews and interviews with students and experts. FL was measured using a 33-item survey along with basic sociodemographic factors. After the intervention, both groups participated in qualitative interviews. All statistical analyses were carried out in Stata/SE version 17.0, and interview data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel using the framework analysis method. RESULTS: The FL scores of the intervention group improved significantly from an average of 65.8 to 69.6 points (P = 0.015), with notable gains in the socio-ecological domain in FL from 65.3 to 71.5 points (P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis comparing FL between the intervention and control groups found that only the knowledge items were marginally significant (P = 0.054), with no statistically significant difference in the practice aspect before and after the intervention (P = 0.657). The interviews revealed that the intervention group experienced broadened perspectives and heightened environmental consciousness, although translating these into practice was challenged by unchanged daily routines. CONCLUSION This pilot program effectively enhanced some aspects of FL-related knowledge of participants. High satisfaction among participants and no dropouts indicated its potential for scaling. Future programs will benefit from strategies that facilitate the transition from educational improvement to practical application.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: As awareness of climate change increases, the relevance of environmental education in dietary choices gains prominence. Although diversely defined, food literacy (FL) is increasingly recognized as the ability to make food choices with an awareness of environmental sustainability. This study aims to conduct a pilot implementation and assess the effectiveness of a program developed to improve FL among university students. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study spanned from August 2022 to February 2023, involving 92 participants (42 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group). Over 11 weeks, the program included cooking classes, local farm visits, and environmental impact lectures developed through extensive literature reviews and interviews with students and experts. FL was measured using a 33-item survey along with basic sociodemographic factors. After the intervention, both groups participated in qualitative interviews. All statistical analyses were carried out in Stata/SE version 17.0, and interview data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel using the framework analysis method. RESULTS: The FL scores of the intervention group improved significantly from an average of 65.8 to 69.6 points (P = 0.015), with notable gains in the socio-ecological domain in FL from 65.3 to 71.5 points (P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis comparing FL between the intervention and control groups found that only the knowledge items were marginally significant (P = 0.054), with no statistically significant difference in the practice aspect before and after the intervention (P = 0.657). The interviews revealed that the intervention group experienced broadened perspectives and heightened environmental consciousness, although translating these into practice was challenged by unchanged daily routines. CONCLUSION This pilot program effectively enhanced some aspects of FL-related knowledge of participants. High satisfaction among participants and no dropouts indicated its potential for scaling. Future programs will benefit from strategies that facilitate the transition from educational improvement to practical application.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: As awareness of climate change increases, the relevance of environmental education in dietary choices gains prominence. Although diversely defined, food literacy (FL) is increasingly recognized as the ability to make food choices with an awareness of environmental sustainability. This study aims to conduct a pilot implementation and assess the effectiveness of a program developed to improve FL among university students. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study spanned from August 2022 to February 2023, involving 92 participants (42 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group). Over 11 weeks, the program included cooking classes, local farm visits, and environmental impact lectures developed through extensive literature reviews and interviews with students and experts. FL was measured using a 33-item survey along with basic sociodemographic factors. After the intervention, both groups participated in qualitative interviews. All statistical analyses were carried out in Stata/SE version 17.0, and interview data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel using the framework analysis method. RESULTS: The FL scores of the intervention group improved significantly from an average of 65.8 to 69.6 points (P = 0.015), with notable gains in the socio-ecological domain in FL from 65.3 to 71.5 points (P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis comparing FL between the intervention and control groups found that only the knowledge items were marginally significant (P = 0.054), with no statistically significant difference in the practice aspect before and after the intervention (P = 0.657). The interviews revealed that the intervention group experienced broadened perspectives and heightened environmental consciousness, although translating these into practice was challenged by unchanged daily routines. CONCLUSION This pilot program effectively enhanced some aspects of FL-related knowledge of participants. High satisfaction among participants and no dropouts indicated its potential for scaling. Future programs will benefit from strategies that facilitate the transition from educational improvement to practical application.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: As awareness of climate change increases, the relevance of environmental education in dietary choices gains prominence. Although diversely defined, food literacy (FL) is increasingly recognized as the ability to make food choices with an awareness of environmental sustainability. This study aims to conduct a pilot implementation and assess the effectiveness of a program developed to improve FL among university students. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study spanned from August 2022 to February 2023, involving 92 participants (42 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group). Over 11 weeks, the program included cooking classes, local farm visits, and environmental impact lectures developed through extensive literature reviews and interviews with students and experts. FL was measured using a 33-item survey along with basic sociodemographic factors. After the intervention, both groups participated in qualitative interviews. All statistical analyses were carried out in Stata/SE version 17.0, and interview data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel using the framework analysis method. RESULTS: The FL scores of the intervention group improved significantly from an average of 65.8 to 69.6 points (P = 0.015), with notable gains in the socio-ecological domain in FL from 65.3 to 71.5 points (P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis comparing FL between the intervention and control groups found that only the knowledge items were marginally significant (P = 0.054), with no statistically significant difference in the practice aspect before and after the intervention (P = 0.657). The interviews revealed that the intervention group experienced broadened perspectives and heightened environmental consciousness, although translating these into practice was challenged by unchanged daily routines. CONCLUSION This pilot program effectively enhanced some aspects of FL-related knowledge of participants. High satisfaction among participants and no dropouts indicated its potential for scaling. Future programs will benefit from strategies that facilitate the transition from educational improvement to practical application.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mukbang, a trend originating in South Korea and gaining global popularity, could influence children’s food choices and eating habits. This study analyzed the correlation between Mukbang viewing time in children and adolescents, their meal consumption frequency, nutrition quotient (NQ), and frequency of food intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: From July to August 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated upper elementary students (ages 9–11 yrs) and adolescents (aged 12–18 yrs) using an online survey. The survey items included key demographic factors, Mukbang viewing frequency and duration, frequency of main meal consumption, commonly consumed foods, and the validated NQ, which was used to assess food intake quality. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the link between Mukbang viewing and nutritional habits. RESULTS: Weekly Mukbang viewing time was significantly correlated with eating habits after adjusting for gender, age, physical activity frequency past week, household income, and primary caregiver’s level of education. Increased Mukbang viewing time correlated with reduced frequency of breakfast (P for trend < 0.001) and dinner (P for trend = 0.012), while the frequency of eating out (P for trend < 0.001) and late-night snacking (P for trend = 0.008) increased. Higher Mukbang viewing time notably decreased scores in the moderation domain (P for trend < 0.001), in the practice domain (P for trend = 0.031), and overall NQ (P for trend < 0.001). It also significantly elevated intake of sweets (P for trend = 0.001), Koreanstyle street food, Western-style fast food, instant noodles, sweetened beverages, caffeinated beverages, and fruit and vegetable juices (P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study identifies a negative correlation between Mukbang viewing and eating habits among Korean children and adolescents. The results indicate the importance of incorporating children and adolescents’ media usage and environmental factors on dietary education and the development of policy programs.

OBJECTIVES: To reveal the influence of job stress change on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in white-collar male workers. METHODS: A total of 277 male workers in a Korean R&D company were enrolled between 2008 and 2010. Baseline and follow-up data were collected with structured self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements by nurses. The questionnaire survey included general and work-related characteristics and the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF). The job stress scores in each examination were dichotomized at the median values for the Korean workers and categorized into four groups as follows: Group I: Both low job stress (2008, 2010), Group II: High job stress (2008) & low job stress (2010), Group III: Low job stress (2008) & high job stress (2010), Group IV: Both high job stress (2008, 2010). Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to determine the influence of job stress change on BMI and waist circumference. RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratio for the change in waist circumference above the 75th percentile for Group IV in 'job demand' increased more than in Group I (OR = 2.54 95% CI=1.06~5.55). Also, Group IV in 'job demand' has higher odds ratio for change in BMI above the 75th percentile than Group I (OR=2.25 95% CI=1.01~5.00). Adjusted odds ratios comparing Group II to Group I for the change in waist circumference above the 75th percentile were 0.36 (95% CI=0.15~0.87) in 'inadequate social support', 0.12 (95% CI=0.02~0.98) in 'lack of reward', 0.25 (95% CI=0.08~0.80) in 'total score', respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that sustained high job control is a risk factor for abdominal obesity and weight gain. Also, diminished job stress has a negative influence on change in abdominal obesity. Further studies are required to establish job stress intervention plans.
Body Mass Index ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Odds Ratio ; Questionnaires ; Risk Factors ; Waist Circumference ; Weight Gain

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Food literacy (FL) is a crucial skill for selecting sustainable and healthy food options, necessitating the identification of vulnerable groups in the community using valid measurement tools. Identifying weak domains in FL is essential for enhancing the overall FL. This study examined the FL levels of Seoul citizens based on their sociodemographic characteristics and assessed the relationship between FL, food intake, and weight status. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study utilized the data from the Seoul Food Survey, a crosssectional study employing representative samples of Seoul citizens. Data collection occurred from September to October 2021, with 4,039 citizens aged 18 yrs and above participating in face-to-face surveys. Thirty-three FL items were assessed, comprising 14 items in the nutrition and safety (NS) domain, eight items in the cultural and relational (CR) domain, and 11 items in the socio-ecological (SE) domain. In addition, data on food intake sufficiency and obesity status were collected. The descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, and logistic regression analysis were used for analysis. RESULTS: Men, students, young adults, older citizens, and people experiencing food insecurity had the lowest scores for all the FL domains. The highest quartile group of NS scores had a higher probability of consuming adequate servings of vegetables and fruits, with significant linear trends observed (P for trend < 0.05). In all three FL domains, the odds ratio for obesity was significantly lower in the groups with high FL scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A close relationship was observed between low FL, obesity, and food intake, even after controlling for other covariates. Vulnerable groups with low FL were also identified. Therefore, it is essential to develop programs to improve FL and the health and well-being of these groups.