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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Unhealthy food choices among young adults are common globally, and the incidence of chronic diseases, such as obesity, is rising. Food literacy (FL) is important for improving and maintaining individual health in a rapidly changing food environment and can form the basis for following a sustainable diet. Therefore, it is essential to improve FL among young adults, particularly college students, who are in the formative years of their lifelong food habits. This study examined the facilitators and barriers of FL and related dietary behavior among college students in South Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study recruited 25 college students with different residence types using convenience and snowball sampling. In-person, telephone, and video interviews were conducted from March to November 2021. The interview data were analyzed using framework analysis based on the socio-ecological model. RESULTS: At the individual level, prior good experiences with food were the most frequently mentioned facilitator. In contrast, the major barriers were a lack of knowledge, financial hardship, irregular schedules, and academic stress. At the interpersonal level, the influences of family and peers, such as early exposure to healthy eating habits and opportunities to have easy accessibility to farms and farming, are major facilitators, but the lack of a sense of community was the major barrier. At the environmental level, the major barriers were unfavorable food environments at home and in neighborhoods, such as the absence of kitchens in housing and large packaging of produce at markets. CONCLUSIONS Many factors affected the students’ FL and related healthy eating practices.These findings suggest that a campus-based FL program should be developed by reflecting on these facilitators and barriers.