Fast Food Preferences Among College Students

INTRODUCTION

Trends of fast food consumption and skipping breakfast increased during the transition period of adulthood and such behavior are associated with increased weight gain. Consumption of energy dense foods especially sweetened beverages like fruit drinks, soft and energy drinks may lead to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Salt containing junk foods have high chances for microbial contamination. Most fast-food meals are low in fiber, vitamin A and C, folacin and some trace minerals. Many are low in Calcium and Iron.¹

According to the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, diet has a significant effect on children’s study habits. Junk food and foods with high sugar content deplete energy levels and the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time. Energy and focus are especially crucial for children. Children set the foundation for lifelong habits in their youth, making junk food particularly hazardous to their all-rounded development. Physical activity is also essential for children of all ages, and regularly eating junk food does not provide the necessary nutrients children need for sufficient energy to engage in physical activity. Lack of physical activity is harmful to physical and mental well-being and may also exclude a child from critical social development. Food high in salt, sugar, fat or calories and low nutrient content is called junk food. Junk foods provide suboptimal nutrition with excessive fat, sugar, or sodium per kcal. According to the recommendations of “National Research Council “of the National Academy of Science 1,200-1,500 mg of sodium is the daily requirement.² Present study aimed to explore the fast food preferences among youth

OBJECTIVES 

1. To assess the preference for fast food among college students 
2. To explore factors contributing to fast food consumption by college students.

METHODOLOGY

A qualitative research approach with cross sectional survey design was used for the study. The sample size included 300 college students who met the inclusion criteria and available during data collection period in the fast food shopsusing convenience sampling technique. Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical committee of The Oxford College of Nursing, Bangalore. Formal permission was obtained from the fast food shops. Consent was taken from students. Data collection was done by interviewing the college students using self-structured questionnaires related to sociodemographic variables and preferences of fast food. Each day around 8-10 students were interviewed and the session took 10-20 minutes to complete. 

RESULTS

I. Description of Socio demographic variables of college students 

Findings revealed that 72% of the college students were in the age group of 20-25 years, 54% were under graduates, 58% were females, 28% had family income per month of Rs. 20000-30000, 68% had pocket money of Rs. 3500 per month, 38% of the college student’s fathers were self-employed, 78% college students mothers were home makers, 74% had the habit of eating fast food, 40% skip meals to take fast food, 74% preferred taking fast food in the morning, 48% preferred branded fast food items, 64% take fruits and vegetable serving 2-3 times a day, 54% were boys who preferred fast food and 66% preferred mixed type of fast food.

II. Description of findings on reasons for fast food preference of college students

It is evident from table 1 that 90% preferred fast food for to its taste and flavor, 86% preferred it for its availability in varieties and entertainment with friends and families, 84% preferred it for its fast service, 80% preferred for easy availability, 68% preferred it for its convenience, 60% preferred for its attractive cost and offers, 54% preferred it as they felt independent, and 52% preferred it for its attractive presentation, 50% preferred it for the compulsion by their friends, 46% preferred it due to urbanization, 42% preferred it because of number of food outlets, 34% preferred it for its advertisement by mass media, 28% preferred it as their mothers were working, 24% preferred it as they felt it as a lifestyle factor and 22% preferred itas they had high income parents and 78% preferred fast food as they did not prepare food at home. 

DISCUSSION

The present study findings showed that 74% of college students were having the habit of eating fast foods and only 26% were not having the habit of fast foods. So the college students need to be aware of effects of the habit of fast foods. Around 40% of college students skip their meal to take fast food. This emphasizes the need for dissemination of the information about harmful effects of skipping the meal and having fast foods. Majority (74%) of the college students preferred fast foods in the evening. Nearly half (48%) of college students preferred branded fast foods, 46% street foods and 06% both branded and street foods. As per the findings it is the need of the hour to educate the young college students regarding the ill effects of fast food.

CONCLUSION

As the adolescence is the most crucial period of transition in the overall human development, so the nutritional requirements in proper proportions particularly in this period assume pivotal role for overall growth process. Clinically it has been proved that the nutrient value of fast foods is well below the required levels and its intake leads to many disorders. Also, the fast foods are main agents responsible for many diseases and disorders like obesity which is likely to cause cardiovascular diseases later on. Fast food related concerns have alarmed people all over the globe and India is no exception to it. The findings of the present study highlight the need to generate awareness among the people especially among college students about the harmful effects of fast food consumption,which will lead to improvement in the health of people. Furthermore it will provide adolescents an option to invest their pocket money in buying nutrient rich foods.