Comparison of Dietary Patterns by Economic Status and Area using the 2001 National Health and Nutrition Survey of Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find differences in dietary patterns through menu analysis by economic status and area. The economic status was classified into low, middle, high, and top classes using a poverty line based on the 2001 minimum standard cost of living. The areas were divided into metropolis, small city, and rural areas. The dishes of 3 meals were classified into 29 categories by cooking method. The most frequent pattern was “rice + soup + kimchi”. The frequency of this Korean basic dietary pattern was the lowest in the top income class and metropolis areas, while the highest in the low income class and rural areas. The frequency of Korean recommended dietary pattern, that is, “rice + soup or stew + kimchi + side dish” was the highest in the top income class. The metropolis group preferred side dishes using meat and cooking method that save time, but the rural group preferred side dishes using vegetables and cooking methods that take a longer time. Consequently, the major dietary pattern in Korea is rice-style, though the western pattern is increasing in the top income class, especially in metropolis areas. And, to make a better dietary pattern, we should develop and spread low-priced recipes of various side dishes for lower income classes and emphasize the importance of the balance between meat and vegetables for the top income class, especially in the metropolis areas.