Determining intention, fast food consumption and their related factors among university students by using a behavior change theory

Abstract

Background Today, with the advancement of science, technology and industry, people’s lifestyles such as the pattern of people’s food, have changed from traditional foods to fast foods. The aim of this survey was to examine and identify factors influencing intent to use fast foods and behavior of fast food intake among students based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 229 university students. The study sample was selected and entered to the study using stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire including Participants’ characteristics, knowledge, the TPB variables, and fast food consumption behavior. The study data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16.0) using descriptive statistics (frequencies, Means, and Standard Deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test, Chi-square, correlation coefficient and multiple regressions). Results The monthly frequency of fast food consumption among students was reported 2.7 times. The TPB explained 35, 23% variance of intent to use fast food and behavior of fast food intake, respectively. Among the TPB variables, knowledge (r = .340, p < 0.001) and subjective norm (r = .318, p < 0.001) were known as important predictors of intention to consume fast foods - In addition, based on regression analyses, intention (r = .215, p < 0.05), perceived behavioral control (r = .205, p < 0.05), and knowledge (r = .127, p < 0.05) were related to fast food consumption, and these relationships were statistically significant. Conclusions The current study showed that the TPB is a good theory in predicting intent to use fast food and the actual behavior. It is supposed that health educators use from the present study results in designing appropriate interventions to improve nutritional status of students.

A Comparative Study on Behavioral Determinants of Fast-Food Consumption Behavior among Undergraduates in Kelantan, Malaysia

“…According to Seo et al (2011), behavioural intention and perceived behavioural control were significantly associated to fast-food consumption behaviour. This was currently supported by a study done among Medical Sciences students whereby behavioural intention was found to be highly correlated to fast food consumption with behavioural intention variable demonstrated greater significance in the association (Didarloo et al, 2022). Therefore, it can be concluded that based on this analysis, it was found that students from each faculty either FKP or FHPK, have contradicting determinants of their fast-food consumption behaviour, marking the achievement of research objective two.…”

“…These outputs also confirmed that the dimensions of TPB were strongly related to fastfood consumption behaviour; reflecting how individuals' attitude, behavioural subjective norms and perceived behavioural control can influence their fast-food consumption behaviour. Cited by Didarloo et al (2022), eating habits and behaviours can be predicted by TPB, which has also garnered the researchers' attention in recognizing beliefs and norms that are related to the fast-food consumption. Nevertheless, correlational analysis results involved FHPK showed that it has higher coefficient values as compared to FKP, which may be due to having a wellness program in the faculty, reflecting they are more health conscious and have better health awareness.…”

An Investigation into the Fast-Food Consumption Habits of Public Health and Nursing Students at the University of Sunderland in London, UK

“…However, other studies reported that male students often consume fast food more than female students. 11,12 In our sample, gender has no significant effect on fast-food consumption or enjoyment. On the other hand, there was a significant association between age and enjoyment of fast food, with enjoyment decreasing as age increases.…”

“…Similar findings were reported in many other studies. 3,4,11 These results highlight the importance of considering age as a factor when studying consumer preferences and behaviors. Another significant factor linked to the appreciation of fast food was the conjugal condition, as married nurses demonstrated a notably diminished proclivity toward enjoying fast food compared with their unmarried counterparts, with an OR of 0.54.…”

“…It was reported that women with lower income had a higher mean BMI. 11 Around 48% of responders ingest fast food during lunchtime, 37.0% during the evening, and 9.8% during dinner with a frequency of twice a week for more than 90% of the responders. Similar results were reported for college students at the Midwestern land-grant university, where most students eat fast food during lunchtime at least once per week.…”