A group of 132 pre-school children with a mean age of six years and oAe month was the subjects of this investigation. These children were members of three nursery schools locating in Kwang-ju city. Each child´s mother replied to a questionaire which included 42 food items and 4 questions.
The results showed that the food preference of each child was variable and the group as a. whole expressed more positive than negative feelings.
The average number of foods liked per child was 22.9(range: 7^42) among 42 food items. Peach, Apple, Strawberry, Laver, Egg, Tomato, Sweet Potato, Tangerine Orange and Beef were ranked in descending order of ´like´ ratings.
The average number of foods refused was 4.9 (range: 0^25). Onion, Liver, Red Pepper Leaf, Root of Bellflower, Taro, Wild Seasame Leaf, Egg Plant, Cabbage, Water Cress and Bracken were ranked in descending order of `refuse´ ratings. The odor of hurting feelings, the hot taste and the flabby texture were the reasons why the children refused these foods.
The average number of foods unexperienced was 4.4 (range: 0^14). Kidney, Dried Small. Whitebail, Tangle (DA SHI MA , Liver, SA RI Mushroom, Acorn Mook, Dried Fragrant Mushroom, Pine Agaric, Root of Bellflower and Ped Pepper Leaf were ranked in descending order of `unexperience´ ratings.
Children´s `like´ rating toward total foods was 57. 3% and the `refuse´ rating was 11. 7/00. Among eight food groups, fruits showed the highest favority (91.4%) and mushroom showed the least (25.9%).
The difference between male and female in the preference of total foods did not showed significant level. But the difference were significant in those of individual food groups; other vegetables, green and yellow leafy vegetables, mushrooms(above, p.<01), fishes and shellfish and sea weeds (above, p<, 05).
Children who had experienced meals missed rated 59. 1% and 34. 1% of these children missed meals once a week. The main reason for maels missed was due to the heavey snacks before meal time.
Children who had snacks twice a day rated 45.6%. Main foods used as their snacks were starch foods (Cake, Biscuit, Sweet Potato) and citrous foods (Fruits, Apple, Tangerine).
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