Mothers' Acculturation and Eating Behaviors of Korean American Families in California

To compare eating behaviors of Korean American (KA) families with mothers of different acculturation stages with those of families in Korea. Survey research using a self-report questionnaire. Field survey on convenience sample in California and in Seoul, Korea. 225 KA and 216 Korean mothers. Frequency of eating at home, preparation of Korean foods, favorite dishes of families, and for special occasions. Chi-square, t test, and analysis of variance. Families of the more acculturated mothers dined out more frequently and had lower preferences for Korean foods than did the families with less acculturated mothers. The more acculturated mothers prepared Korean foods, including kimchi, less at home. Fewer Korean dishes were included among the 5 favored dishes, both for family and for special occasions, in KA families than in Korean families. The acculturation stage of the mothers affected preference for Korean dishes of the families but not for special occasions. Mothers' acculturation stage influenced the family's eating habits. Changes of preference of typical Korean dishes varied by acculturation stage. Nutrition educators should be aware that dietary behaviors of KA families may differ by acculturation stage and tailor interventions appropriately.