title: Variation in meal-skipping rates of Korean adolescents according to socio-economic status: results of the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify and evaluate the trend of meal-skipping rates among Korean adolescents with their contributing causes and the influence of household income level on meal skipping.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using 2008, 2010, and 2012 data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey of 222 662 students, a cross-sectional study with subgroup analysis was performed. We calculated odds ratios for skipping each meal 5 or more times in a week by household socio-economic status using a multiple logistic regression model. The secular change in the meal-skipping rates by the students' family affluence scale was analyzed by comparing the meal-skipping students within each subgroup and odds ratios for the same event over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Through 2008 to 2012, most of the meal-skipping rates generally showed a continuous increase or were almost unchanged in both sexes, except for breakfast skipping in several subgroups. Students in low-income households not living with both parents had the highest meal-skipping rates and odds ratios for frequent meal skipping. In a time-series subgroup analysis, the overall odds ratios for the same event increased during 2008 to 2012, with a slight reduction in the gap between low and higher income levels with regard to meal skipping during 2010 to 2012.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Household socio-economic status and several other factors had a significant influence on Korean adolescent meal-skipping rates. Although the gap in eating behavior associated with household socio-economic differences is currently decreasing, further study and appropriate interventions are needed.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. ; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Seri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hong Chul
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Soo
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. ; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Cheol
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: Adolescent; Eating habits; Meal skipping; Social class