Determinants of Junk Food Consumption Among Adolescents in Pokhara Valley, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Junk food consumption and its consequences has become a major public health concern globally because of its deteriorating health consequences and surging prevalence. Though its adverse health consequences are widely prevalent in all age groups, children and adolescents are more at risk. It may lead to obesity and act as a risk factor for different non-communicable diseases (NCD's) like heart diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, etc. This study was carried out to explore the junk food consumption and its associated factors among adolescent students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 adolescent students of Kaski district, Nepal. We used a stratified proportionate sampling technique to recruit the participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed. The odds ratio was computed to test the association.Results: The study found that more than half of the participants (60.30%) consumed junk foods over the last 30 days, more prevalent among public school participants (65.1%) followed by participants of private school (56.3%). More than half of the participants consumed salty snacks (58.7%) followed by sweets (57.5%). The time of consumption was found to be higher together with friends (83.9%). Similarly, it was consumed more while the participants were on a trip (70.1%). Consumption of junk foods was significantly associated with public school (OR: 1.44, CI = 1.01–2.06), single family (OR: 1.46, CI = 1.01–2.10), living with parents (OR: 1.64, CI = 1.03–2.63), while on travel (OR: 1.99, CI = 1.33–2.98), while reading (OR: 2.01, CI = 1.16–3.47), at home (OR: 2.20, CI = 1.53–3.16), at school (OR: 2.86, CI = 1.98–4.12), friends' influence (OR: 2.01, CI = 1.37–2.94), and junk food availability at home (OR: 1.92, CI = 1.33–2.76).Conclusion: Consumption of junk foods among adolescent students was remarkably high in both public school and private school adolescents. Regardless of adequate knowledge on harmful consequences of junk foods, school-going adolescents are consuming junk foods due to its easy availability and ready-to-use packaging. The government of Nepal should strictly standardize and regulate advertising policies and extravagant health claims advertised by junk food manufacturers. An appropriate intervention targeted to adolescents to improve food behaviors is recommended.

Perceived Parental Attitudes Are Indirectly Associated with Consumption of Junk Foods and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among Chinese Adolescents through Home Food Environment and Autonomous Motivation: A Path Analysis

“…It was found that adolescents would not keep SSBs at home if they perceived disagreement from parents on SSB intake [ 32 ]. Furthermore, we found that availability of JFs in the home environment was directly and positively correlated with consumption of JFs among adolescents, which was in agreement with a previous study that suggested adolescents with higher frequent availability of JFs at home reported higher consumption of JFs [ 33 ]. This relationship was also found when studying the association between SSB intake and SSB availability in the home environment.…”

Impact of Mediterranean Diet Food Choices and Physical Activity on Serum Metabolic Profile in Healthy Adolescents: Findings from the DIMENU Project

“…Our previous observations showing that PA intensity levels positively influenced healthy dietary pattern [25] represent encouraging results since those who practice vigorous PA began to adopt good eating habits that could last over time. This is in line with other studies [28,36,37] in which the increase in consumption of junk food, sweets, and candies are related to the habits of mainly sedentary adolescents. It was interesting to note that in our population sample, active adolescents display a better metabolic profile compared to sedentary adolescents in terms of LDL and insulin concentrations.…”

Comparative Effects of Suture and Non-Suture Surgical Techniques on Platysma after Thyroid SurgeryFast Food Intake Affecting Physical and Mental Well-Being of Medical Students in Lahore

“…The major factors contributing toward fast food consumption among adolescent is when they are outside the home. The incidence of fast-food consumption was higher in friend's company and on trip 11 . Lack of time and lifestyle were the least factors for fast-food consumption 11 .…”

“…The incidence of fast-food consumption was higher in friend's company and on trip 11 . Lack of time and lifestyle were the least factors for fast-food consumption 11 . Globally the incidence of fast-food consumption ranges from 60 to 70% 11,12 .…”

“…Lack of time and lifestyle were the least factors for fast-food consumption 11 . Globally the incidence of fast-food consumption ranges from 60 to 70% 11,12 . Food has also been replaced by readymade canned food 13 .…”