Study on the Perception of Yakseon, Meal Preparation Behavior, and Nutrition Knowledge among Home-visit Caregivers in the Jecheon Area

This study investigated the perceptions of home-visit caregivers in Jecheon-si, Korea, with respect to Yakseon (medicinal food), meal preparation practices, and nutrition knowledge. It examined the factors associated with their perceptions and service-related needs to inform tailored Yakseon meal services for older adults who are dependent on care. Data regarding demographic characteristics, perceptions of Yakseon, meal preparation behaviors, and nutrition knowledge were collected from 98 home-visit caregivers using a structured questionnaire. All participants were female, and 49.0% were in their 60s. Caregivers working ≥9 h/day had significantly stronger perceptions regarding the preventive effects of Yakseon than those working <9 h/day. Caregivers working 4—8 h/day or ≥9 h/day also reported a significantly greater need to develop a Yakseon-based menu than those working <4 h/day. Caregivers directly involved in meal preparation had significantly more positive perceptions of Yakseon’s disease-preventive and anti-aging effects. A greater awareness of Yakseon was associated with more favorable perceptions of its taste and efficacy. Caregivers with previous experience of serving Yakseon also reported significantly higher ratings for its taste, disease-preventive, and anti-aging effects and placed greater importance on ingredient costs. Nutrition knowledge scores were significantly higher among caregivers working longer hours, whereas caregiving duration was not significantly associated with nutrition knowledge. These findings suggest that home-visit caregivers, particularly those working longer hours, may play an important role in implementing Yakseon-based meal services for older adults. Practical guidelines on Yakseon, disease-specific culinary training, and education on affordable medicinal ingredients may improve service quality and feasibility. However, caution is warranted when generalizing these findings to other regions because local dietary practices may differ.