Proportional quota sampling was used to recruit participants
who represented the target population in relation to demographic
characteristics. For the purposes of this study, Korea
was organized into five geographic areas, and the number of
participants in each area was estimated based on the number
of college students reported by the Ministry of Education,
Science, and Technology. The target population of Korean
college students was sampled, taking into account the students’
location (five geographic areas) and type of university
(4 year college or 2 year community college). Potential participants
were given an explanation regarding the purpose
and objective of the survey, and of the 2242 female students
who were recruited, 2186 agreed to complete a structured
questionnaire. To increase the recovery rate, a simple incentive
was provided to all participants.
Participants received oral and written information about
the purpose and method of the study; were guaranteed anonymity;
informed of acceptance or denial for inclusion in the
study, the possibility of dropping out of the study, and possible
advantages and disadvantages. Confidential written
consent was obtained to protect the study participants to the
fullest extent. Prior to the study, research ethics approval was
received from EwhaWomans University in Korea.