Understanding influences on teenage food choices in a Durban High School with a view to improving praxis

Abstract

Diets in post‐apartheid South Africa have changed from low‐fat, high‐fibre traditional food to a high‐fat, low‐fibre diet characterized by the habitual intake of ‘junk’ food. This type of food is rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars, which cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, associated with the development of diabetes. As a result, diabetes is on the increase in South Africa. If a further increase in diabetes in South Africa is to be prevented, it is vital that teachers of Consumer Studies engage teenage consumers in making food choices that will control blood sugar levels. However, today's teenagers are exposed to the advertising tactics of food and beverage companies, the sole aim of which is to increase sales and maximize profits. In the face of these external influences, how can teachers encourage teenagers to make healthy food choices? The aim of this study was to highlight the influence of development on the contemporary food choices of South African teenagers. The research is underpinned by a complex theoretical framework that is presented as an interconnected trilogy. A methodology of participatory action research was used in this empirical study on teenage food choices in a peri‐urban high school in Durban. The main objective was to develop a better understanding of how development impacts on teenage food choices in South Africa. This knowledge could be used by Consumer Studies teachers to engage teenagers in making food choices that will reduce the risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Young adults’ consideration of their food choices a propos consequences for their future health

“…Parents in particular are blamed for how families' eating patterns have changed over time (Kar and Kar, 2015) for example an increased consumption of take-away foods including fast foods rather than preparing food at home from scratch, which is associated with higher energy levels, low micronutrient content, as well as high salt and sugar levels. In addition, fast food portions are generally substantially bigger compared to home prepared meals and all these factors contribute to obesity (Feeley et al, 2009;Kroone and Alant, 2012). For the purpose of this study food-away-from-home is defined as foods prepared and purchased away from home, including take-away and fast foods.…”

“…Many health professionals who work closely with people with diverse health problems have devoted much time and effort to explain the association of undesirable health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, overweight and obesity with an excessive intake of certain types of processed foods in recent publications (Igumbor et al, 2012;Kroone and Alant, 2012;Jaworowska et al, 2013;Moodie et al, 2013;Feeley and Norris, 2014;Ng et al,2014;Luiten et al, 2015;Da Costa Louzada et al, 2015;Poti et al, 2015;Ronquest-Ross et al, 2015). Particularly vulnerable, are young adults who move out of family care to live independently as there is evidence that their food choices could be negatively influenced by changes in their circumstances (Sharma et al, 2010;Riddell et al, 2011).…”

“…For many of these young adults it may seem more practical to opt for the multitude of "foodaway-from-home" options which are convenient, readily avail-able and even desirable in their social circles (Steyn et al, 2011;Sedibe et al, 2014). It is highly likely that young adults, who are referred to as the "too young to care" generation (NIN, 2002;Marquis, 2005) are blas e, or unaware of the health related consequences of their food intake, specifically with regard to the food they consume away from home (Van Zyl et al, 2010;Steyn et al, 2011;Kroone and Alant, 2012;Audain et al, 2014). Although a fairly recent South African study by Van Zyl et al (2010) about consumers' intake of fast foods reports that up to 55.1% of consumers are always concerned about their health when considering food, it nevertheless means that almost every second person is not concerned.…”

“…Amidst evidence of an increase in the consumption of food away from home by young South Africans (Van Zyl et al, 2010;Steyn et al, 2011;Kroone and Alant, 2012;Statssa, 2012;Audain et al, 2014;Feeley and Norris, 2014) and a plethora of advertisements in media that tenaciously continue to boost the sales of fast foods (Kroone and Alant, 2012), this study investigated young adults' consideration of the consequences of their consumption of food eaten away from home. The study specifically focussed on young adults' consumption of take-away-foods/fast foods and street foods, which may instigate poor eating habits because they have little option other than to trust the service providers to safeguard their health in terms of how the food was sourced, prepared and stored.…”

Food consumption, lifestyle patterns, and body mass index of a group of white South African students

“…Lately a number of South African researchers have dealt with several aspects relating to the food adolescents and young adults tend to consume (Audain, Kassier, & Veldman, ; Gresse, Steenkamp, & Pietersen, ; Kroone & Alant, ; Sedibe et al, ; Van den Berg et al, ; Van den Berg, Okeyo, Dannhauser, & Nel, ; Van Zyl, Steyn, & Marais, ). The connection between food intake and lifestyle behavior of South African student groups in specific regions of the country is another topic of interest (Gresse et al, ; Janse van Rensburg & Surujlal, ; Van den Berg et al, , ).…”