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KMID : 1011620160320020222
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Korean Journal of Food and Cookey Science
2016 Volume.32 No. 2 p.222 ~ p.232
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School Dietitian Awareness, Practice, and Sodium Reduction Plan in School Meal Service
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Kim Eun-Kyung
Kim Hye-Young
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Abstract
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Purpose: Sodium intake in school meals is very high. Accordingly, many health problems have emerged. The objective of this study was to assess school dietitian"s awareness and practice of sodium contents in urban and rural locations schools and suggest sodium reduction plan in school meal service.
Methods: A total of 524 nationwide school dietitians from elementary, middle, and high schools in south Korea were surveyed using questionnaires to determine their awareness and practicing behavior for reducing high-salt contents in meals. Sodium reduction plan was then suggested accordingly.
Results: Most school dietitians (83%, n=436) were aware of the necessities of sodium reduction in school meals. They were aware of optimum sodium levels at 700-1000 mg. However, the percentages of dietitians who had practicing behavior of using measuring utensils for seasoning were 20.7% (n=108), 14.9% (n=78), and 13.5% (n=71) in elementary, middle, and high schools, respectively (p<0.001). Dietitians in urban elementary and middle schools had significantly (p<0.01) higher practicing behavior of using measuring utensils compared to those in rural locations. Considering low levels of soup contents with high amount of leftover, the desirable soup portions to be reduced were ‘50-100 mL’ (n=66, 12.7%) for elementary school and ‘100-150 mL’ for middle school (n=62, 12.0%) and high school (n=57, 11.0%, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Dietitians" awareness for sodium reduction was high but their practicing behavior was relatively low. Thus, continuous efforts are required to develop reduced-sodium menu by promoting the use of measuring utensils when preparing meals and by planning no soup meal day or educating students and teachers about the importances of reducing sodium in school meals.
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KEYWORD
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sodium reduction, awareness, practice, school meal service
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