Factors related to self-perception of diet quality among South Korean adults.
OBJECTIVE
Improvements in diet can decrease the cancer rates. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationships between self-perception of diet quality and personality, impulsiveness, stress, coping strategy, sense of coherence, self-efficacy, and social support.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted using a multiple-stratified random sampling method based on the Korea Census of 2007. In October 2009, investigators conducted 15-minute face-to-face interviews with 1,530 South Korean volunteers who ranged from 30 to 69 years of age without a history of cancer.


RESULTS
Respondents were more likely to perceive that they consumed a healthy diet if they were older than 50 years, lived with a partner, had a monthly family income greater than $4,000 USD, had a low perceived risk of cancer, consumed less alcohol, exercised regularly, had a less agreeable or conscientious personality, had low stress levels, had a high sense of coherence or self-efficacy, and had ample social support.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychosocial factors, such as personality, stress, sense of coherence, self-efficacy, and social support, are associated with the self- perception of diet quality. Analysis of the factors that contribute to a perceived healthy diet could assist with the design of educational campaigns.
National Cancer Information Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Su Yeon
SY
Kye
E Hwa
EH
Yun
Keeho
K
Park
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D007182:Income; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010465:Perception; D010551:Personality; D056910:Republic of Korea; D020377:Self Efficacy; D060685:Sense of Coherence; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires