The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42823

Soo-Kyung Lee, PhD, RD¹, Jeffery Sobal, PhD, MPH², and Edward A. Frongillo, PhD². (1) Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, 26 Nichol Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901-2882, 732-932-2766, sklee@aesop.rutgers.edu, (2) Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, MVR Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853

Taking regular meals has been studied in relation to better health, while higher frequency of eating-out has been linked to obesity. This study examined whether acculturation was associated with frequency of meals and eating-out in Korean Americans. Pre-tested questionnaires were mailed to a national sample with Korean American surnames, and 55% of the deliverable sample responded, producing 356 usable questionnaires. Acculturation was measured using a two-culture matrix model and Gordon's theoretical work, and showed there were three distinct groups (acculturated, bicultural, and traditional). Only 36% reported that they regularly ate three meals a day. Breakfast was the least frequent meal of the day with 43% reporting eating breakfast everyday. More than half (58%) reported that they usually eat out or get take-out food at least once a week. Higher acculturation was related to less frequent breakfast (Chi-Square=15.77, p < 0.05) and more frequent eating-out (Chi-Square=23.02, p < 0.001). After controlling for age, sex, income, education, and working status, only the relationship between acculturation and frequency of eating-out remained significant. While 28% of men and 6% of women were overweight (BMI > 25), no significant relationships between frequency of meals and eating-out and overweight status were found. However, there were significant and positive relationships between body weight status and acculturation in men. Although this study did not show significant relationships between frequency of meals and eating-out and body weight, growing evidences on obesity and diet indicate that nutrition education on skipping meals and eating-out can benefit Korean Americans.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. describe relationships between frequency of meals and eating-out and acculturation in Korean Americans
• 2. recognize potential health consequences irregular meals and frequent eating-out
• 3. apply the acculturation measurement method used in this study to their group of interest

Keywords: Asian Americans, Food and Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.