유아기 신체건강 증진방안: 소아 비만 예방을 중심으로

Abstract

Purpose

l In order to prevent obesity and train healthy life style to young children, it is important to disseminate the health promotion program in day care centers and kindergartens.

l This study aimed to investigate the physical activities and eating habits of young children and test the effects of short-term health promotion program on young children.

Methods

l Investigation of current health promotion program for young children of the central and local governments.

l Questionnaire and in-depth interview of young children, teachers, and parents.

l Sample: 212 5-year-olds, who participated the program at the 3 day care center and kindergarten in Seoul and Gyeonggi

Results

l Current Status of Health Promotion Program

- The departments of Korean government(Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Education, local governments etc.) implemented various health promotion programs for youths, adults and elders, except young children.

- Although physical activities and diet programs for young children were already developed, those programs were not in practice at day care centers and kindergartens.

l Health Status of Young Children

- Young children in low growth risk weren’t much engaged in physical activities.

- 60.4% of young children took a private lesson-Taekwondo, dance, and swimming.

- Young children were taking protein and sodium over twice recommended dietary allowances. For the obesity risk group, they were taking excessive carbohydrate because they didn’t eat regularly and have ability to control their appetites.

l Results from the Health Promotion Program

- After participation of the program, children’s exercise hours(34.4%) and times(27.9%) had been increased in family; moreover, nutrition index and knowledge also enhanced.

- Parents learned the importance(94.2%) and optimal level(64.3%) of exercise for young children. In addition, based on their reports, the program had a positive effect on child’s happiness(80.5%) and self-confidence(79.9%).

- According to the results of in-depth interview, respondents requested for the adjustment of physical activity time at the institutes(37.7%), place for outdoor activity (29.2%), creating healthy indoor environment(22.7%), and support of physical activity in family(18.8%).

Recommendations

l Create healthy indoor environment at the collective housing area to promote exercises of young children.

l Build the capacity of day care and kindergarten teachers on physical activities and diets of young children through teacher training.

l Conduct the campaign for health promotion for young children by introducing ideas of leisure activity with a family and healthy eating plan.