Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives

Original Articles

Prevalence and correlates of highly caffeinated beverage consumption among Korean adolescents: Ho-Kyung Kwak, Jaesin Sa, Siyoung Choe, Jean-Philippe Chaput, Joon Chung, Gayle Cummings, Jounghee Lee; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2021;12(6):374-384. Published online November 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.0013

Abstract PDF: Objectives
The purposes of this study were to (1) examine the multi-year prevalence of highly caffeinated beverage (HCB) consumption, (2) identify sex differences in the prevalence, and (3) investigate relationships between HCB consumption and behavioral characteristics in a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents.
Methods
Data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2014–2017) were analyzed.
Results
HCB consumption was higher in 2017 than 2014 (23.9% vs. 12.0%), and higher among boys than girls (17.2% vs. 13.1%). HCB drinkers were more likely to (1) be boys, (2) be overweight or obese, (3) use alcohol and tobacco, (4) consume soda at least once per week, (5) consume sweetened beverages at least once per week, (6) have seriously considered suicide during the past 12 months, and (7) have attempted suicide during the past 12 months (p<0.05 for all).
Conclusion
Effective programs to curb HCB consumption among Korean adolescents need to be established.

Sex differences in weight perception and weight gain among Black college students in the USA: Jounghee Lee, Jaesin Sa, Jean-Philippe Chaput, James Heimdal, Beatrice Nelson, Beom-Young Cho, Elizabeth Kwon; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2021;12(2):96-104. Published online April 29, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.07

Abstract PDF: Objectives
The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of overweight/obesity and to explore sex differences in body weight perceptions and correlates of weight gain among Black students at 2 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the USA.
Methods
Participants completed a paper-based survey, and their height and weight were measured (67% completion rate).
Results
The overweight and obesity rates were 33.8% and 26.9%, respectively. More females than males accurately assessed their weight (p<0.05). Body weight underestimation was associated with male sex, excellent/very good perceived overall health, and not being informed by a doctor of having overweight or obesity (p<0.01). Higher odds of ≥5% weight gain were related to female sex, living on campus, and not being informed by a doctor of having overweight or obesity (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Given the high overweight and obesity rates among Black students, HBCUs in the USA should develop intervention strategies for the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. College health educators at HBCUs need to provide regular check-ups or health screenings that help male students perceive their weight accurately and prevent weight underestimation. It is important for HBCUs to monitor and address weight gain among Black students as early as possible.

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