A Study on the Recognition of Marine Products in Elementary School Students in the Jeonnam Area
The purpose of this study was to investigate the eating habits and nutritional knowledge of elementary school students in regards to seafood in school meals. More than 80.6% of elementary school students reported an ‘average’ preference for seafood. While ‘taste’ and ‘healthy food’ were common reasons to prefer marine products, ‘unpleasant taste and smell’ was a common reason not to prefer seafood. Students in general stated ‘eating if possible’ as their attitude towards seafood in school meals, 38.1% responded ‘eating all’ as their intake level. There was a significant difference between preference for seafood by gender [boys, 3.44; girls, 3.64 (P<0.01)]. Also, students significantly difference preferred some types of seafood over others. The students who enjoyed eating seafood had more regular and balanced diets and a better attitude toward dietary life and health than did the counterparts who did not prefer seafood. A significant difference (P<0.05) in knowledge existed according to gender; girls had a higher level of knowledge than did boys.