OBJECTIVE: In this study we investigated dietary consciousness, dietary behavior, dietary environment and dietary intake in Japanese urban schoolgirls and their mothers, and examined some useful indicators for their dietary education. METHODS: The survey was conducted during Sept 2005. Participants: The subjects were 262 junior high school girls (age 12-13yrs) and 240 mothers, 145 senior high school girls (age 15-16yrs) and 90 mothers, total subjects were 737. OUTCOME: 1. The questionnaire asked about their weight perception, eating behavior, environment, habits, and health condition in 76 questions. 2. Energy intake was assessed by 2 day dietary record method. 3. Age, height and body weight were measured by a teacher. Those with a tendency towards obesity were ≧120, and those underweight were ≦80%, based on the baseline degree of obesity by the Ministry of Education. A TANITA scale was used and BMI was calculated based on the degree of obesity in the Japanese Obesity Association. RESULTS: 1. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained between the body type classification and the degree of obesity, (junior high school girls: p<0.001, senior high school girls: p<0.001). Many schoolgirls perceived themselves overweight notwithstanding that weights were at an appropriate level. 2. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained between the self-rated energy intakes and the degree of obesity, (junior high school girls: p<0.001, senior high school girls: p<0.01). 3. Energy intakes by 2day dietary record method were not enough compared to their EER (estimated energy requirement), junior high school girls: 1685±410kcal, senior high school girls: 1670±433kcal. Micronutrient intake of Ca, Fe, VC and dietary fiber were less than DG (tentative dietary goal), but the ratio of fat energy was over the UL (tolerable upper intake level), junior high school girls: 32.5%, senior high school girls: 34.6%. 4. Energy intake of the mothers significantly correlated with that of their children in evening meals (breakfast: r=0.23, lunch: r=0.21, evening: r=0.35, total intake: r=0.25). 5. Correlation of between-item by Theory of quantification III showed 2 patterns. One correlated to the healthy dietary behavior, perception and environment, the other one had contradictory pattern that correlated to "overeat", "overweight" and "dieting practice" (η^2=0.13). DISCUSSION: In this study we describe probable associations which may provide an understanding of some aspects of nutrition education for Japanese urban schoolgirls
