Diet and Physical Activity of Korean Female Adolescents in Their Peer Networks

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the diet and physical activity behaviors of female adolescents and their friends within classroom-based peer networks in Korea.

Complete social network analysis was used to examine the influence of classroom-based peers on adolescents' diets and physical activity. Data were collected by self-report from 99 female adolescents in three classrooms.

Diet and physical activity behaviors were measured using the Adolescent Food Habit Checklist, food frequency questions, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Female adolescents were asked to nominate close friends within their classroom. Descriptive statistics for diet and physical activity were generated; social network data were analyzed using social network analysis.

Most participants were normal-weight, 18-year-old adolescents. Across three classrooms, adolescents' dietary behaviors were connected with those of their classroom-based peer networks; however, similar outcomes were not identified for physical activity.

Clusters of diet behaviors for Korean female adolescents were identified in classroom-based peer networks. Developing interventions based on these shared behaviors could be effective in improving these behaviors. Additional studies should explore potential barriers to physical activity for Korean female adolescents and their classroom-based peers.

The current study found that Korean female adolescents' dietary behaviors were associated with their peers'. Healthcare providers should consider involving peers when developing interventions to improve the diet of Korean female adolescents.