초기 청소년의 임파워먼트와 건강행동 및 비만도 간의 관련성

Empowerment, Health Behaviors, and Obesity among Early Adolescents

Purpose: This study sought to examine the association between empowerment, health behaviors (eating behaviors, physical activities), and obesity among early adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 115 early adolescents in elementary school grades 5 and 6 in Gangwon-do. Empowerment was measured using the Empowerment Scale. Health behaviors were measured using two types of eating behaviors and physical activity, which were assessed via self-reported questionnaires. Eating behaviors were assessed in terms of breakfast, fruits, sugar-sweetened beverage, and fast-food intake. Physical activity was assessed based on sufficient physical activities and sedentary time. Obesity was assessed using an electronic weight/height scale. The data were evaluated using a multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The average empowerment scores were 2.8, 2.7, 3.1, and 2.5 for total, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and socio-political empowerment, respectively. The total and intrapersonal empowerment were significantly associated with breakfast intake (7 days per week) (AOR=3.69, p =.022; AOR= 2.59, p =.045) and sufficient physical activity (≥1 hr per day) (AOR=6.81, p =.037; AOR=16.69, p =.002). Interpersonal empowerment was significantly associated with breakfast intake (7 days per week) (AOR=3.27, p =.022). No significant associations were observed between empowerment and obesity. Conclusion: The results confirm an association between early adolescents’ empowerment, health behaviors, and obesity. Empowerment is a key factor in positive health behaviors of early adolescents. This study is expected to provide basic data for developing a health promotion program to improve health life practices among early adolescents.