Diet and Health Quality of Young Adults Based on Food Security and Income
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Eun-kyung, Kwon Yong-Seok, Kim Sena, Lee Jin-Young, Park Young Hee
Primary Institution: National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, Republic of Korea
Hypothesis
How does young adults’ dietary and health-related quality of life vary by food security and household income?
Conclusion
Food insecurity is linked to poor diet quality and negatively impacts health-related quality of life, mobility, and anxiety/depression among young adults.
Supporting Evidence
- The food insecure and low income group had significantly lower dietary quality.
- Instant noodles and Sprite were commonly consumed by the food insecure and low income group.
- Food insecurity was associated with increased rates of mobility problems and anxiety/depression.
Takeaway
Young adults who don't have enough food or money to buy food tend to eat poorly and feel worse about their health.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 10,224 young adults aged 19-34 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, categorizing them by food security and income.
Potential Biases
Food security was assessed with a single question, which may underestimate the prevalence of food insecurity.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and the use of a single 24-hour dietary recall may not accurately reflect usual intake.
Participant Demographics
Participants were young adults aged 19-34, with varying levels of food security and household income.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
1.05–2.29 for mobility problems; 1.07–1.64 for anxiety/depression
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website