The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between table attitudes(or table manners), nutrition knowledge, eating/snacking habits, and BMI in elementary school children. For the study, 350 [4~6th grade] elementary students were recruited and surveyed. Each response for 10 questions regarding table attitudes was scored by a 5-point scale(5 points=strongly agreed & 1 point=strongly disagreed) with a total score of 50. The reliability of 10 questions about nutrition knowledge was validated using Cronbach`s α(Cronbach`s α=0.80). Total scores for table attitudes were significantly different between the boys and girls(p<0.05). The total score for nutrition knowledge was significantly higher in the girls(7.67/10.0), compared to the boys(7.35/10.0)(p<0.05). The children showed high rates of incorrect answers in questions regarding the function or importance of specific nutrients. No significant differences between the boys and girls were found for places of snack purchase, or pocket money/day. Most of the children answered spending less than 800 won of pocket money per day. More boys preferred meals with meats and disliked Kimchi and vegetables compared to girls, and the differences were statistically significant. The score for table attitudes was significantly and negatively correlated with nutrition knowledge and gender. No significant correlations between BMI and table attitudes or nutrition knowledge were shown.

• 강근옥 | Kun Og Kang