Original Article

Fast Food Preferences Among College Students

Sivasankari M1, Logambal K2, J Balalakshmi3

1. Associate. Professor, 2. Asst. Professor, 3. Professor, Department of OBG Nursing,
The Oxford College of Nursing, 6/9, Ist cross, Begur Road, Hongasandra, Bangalore.

Author for correspondence

Mrs. Sivasankari M
Associate Professor,
OBG Nursing,
The Oxford College of Nursing,
6/9, Ist cross, Begur Road, Hongasandra,
Bangalore-560068
E-mail id: ssankari79@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The fast food industry in India has evolved with the changing lifestyle of the
young Indian population. Junk food can be appealing for a variety of reasons, including convenience,
price and taste. Regularly consuming fattening junk food can be addictive and lead to complications
like obesity, chronic illness, low self-esteem and even depression.
OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the preference for fast food among college students. 2. To explore factors
contributing to fast food consumption by college students.
METHODS: A qualitative research approach with cross sectional survey design was used for the
study. A total of 300 college students were interviewed using convenience sampling technique in the
fast food shops, of Hongasandra area, Bangalore.
RESULTS: The study results showed 90% preferred fast food for to its taste and flavor,86% preferred
it for its availability of varieties and entertainment with friends and families.
CONCLUSION: Fast food preference among college students was explored. Further teaching can be
implemented on awareness regarding the adverse effects of junk foods on a larger scale.
Key words: Fast food, College students

INTRODUCTION According to the Women’s and Children’s Health

Trends of fast food consumption and skipping Network, diet has a significant effect on children’s
breakfast increased during the transition period of study habits. Junk food and foods with high sugar
adulthood and such behavior are associated with content deplete energy levels and the ability to
increased weight gain. Consumption of energy concentrate for extended periods of time. Energy
dense foods especially sweetened beverages like and focus are especially crucial for children.
fruit drinks, soft and energy drinks may lead Children set the foundation for lifelong habits
to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Salt in their youth, making junk food particularly
containing junk foods have high chances for hazardous to their all-rounded development.
microbial contamination. Most fast-food meals are Physical activity is also essential for children of
low in fiber, vitamin A and C, folacin and some all ages, and regularly eating junk food does not
trace minerals. Many are low in Calcium and Iron.1 provide the necessary nutrients children need for

RGUHS Journal of Nursing Sciences, June 2018 / Vol-8 / Issue-1 35

sufficient energy to engage in physical activity. the college student’s fathers were self-employed,
Lack of physical activity is harmful to physical and 78% college students mothers were home makers,
mental well-being and may also exclude a child 74% had the habit of eating fast food, 40% skip
from critical social development. Food high in salt, meals to take fast food, 74% preferred taking fast
sugar, fat or calories and low nutrient content is food in the morning, 48% preferred branded fast
called junk food. Junk foods provide suboptimal food items, 64% take fruits and vegetable serving
nutrition with excessive fat, sugar, or sodium 2-3 times a day, 54% were boys who preferred fast
per kcal. According to the recommendations of food and 66% preferred mixed type of fast food.
“National Research Council “of the National
Academy of Science 1,200-1,500 mg of sodium is II. Description of findings on reasons for fast
the daily requirement.2 Present study aimed to food preference of college students
explore the fast food preferences among youth It is evident from table 1 that 90% preferred fast
food for to its taste and flavor, 86% preferred it
OBJECTIVES for its availability in varieties and entertainment
1. To assess the preference for fast food among with friends and families, 84% preferred it for its
college students fast service, 80% preferred for easy availability,
2. To explore factors contributing to fast food 68% preferred it for its convenience, 60% preferred
consumption by college students. for its attractive cost and offers, 54% preferred it
as they felt independent, and 52% preferred it for
METHODOLOGY its attractive presentation, 50% preferred it for the
A qualitative research approach with cross compulsion by their friends, 46% preferred it due to
sectional survey design was used for the study. urbanization, 42% preferred it because of number of
The sample size included 300 college students who food outlets, 34% preferred it for its advertisement
met the inclusion criteria and available during by mass media, 28% preferred it as their mothers
data collection period in the fast food shopsusing were working, 24% preferred it as they felt it as
convenience sampling technique. Ethical clearance a lifestyle factor and 22% preferred itas they had
was obtained from the ethical committee of The high income parents and 78% preferred fast food
Oxford College of Nursing, Bangalore. Formal as they did not prepare food at home.
permission was obtained from the fast food shops.
Consent was taken from students. Data collection DISCUSSION
was done by interviewing the college students The present study findings showed that 74% of
using self-structured questionnaires related to college students were having the habit of eating fast
sociodemographic variables and preferences of foods and only 26% were not having the habit of
fast food. Each day around 8-10 students were fast foods. So the college students need to be aware
interviewed and the session took 10-20 minutes to of effects of the habit of fast foods. Around 40% of
complete. college students skip their meal to take fast food.
This emphasizes the need for dissemination of the
RESULTS information about harmful effects of skipping the
I. Description of Socio demographic variables of meal and having fast foods. Majority (74%) of the
college students college students preferred fast foods in the evening.
Findings revealed that 72% of the college students Nearly half (48%) of college students preferred
were in the age group of 20-25 years, 54% were branded fast foods, 46% street foods and 06% both
under graduates, 58% were females, 28% had branded and street foods. As per the findings it is
family income per month of Rs. 20000-30000, 68% the need of the hour to educate the young college
had pocket money of Rs. 3500 per month, 38% of students regarding the ill effects of fast food.

36 RGUHS Journal of Nursing Sciences, June 2018 / Vol-8 / Issue-1

Table 1: Frequency distribution and percentage of college students according to the reasons for fast
food preferences among college students
n=300
Sl. Reasons Yes No
No
f % f %
1 Taste or flavour 270 90 30 10
2 Convenience 204 68 96 32
3 Easily available 240 80 60 20
4 Attractive presentation 156 52 144 48
5 No harm to health 84 28 216 72
6 Fast service 252 84 48 16
7 Independent feeling 162 54 138 46
8 Entertainment with friends and family 258 86 42 14
9 Feel of high tech lifestyle 72 24 228 7
10 Advertisement by mass media 102 34 198 66
11 Urbanization 138 46 162 54
12 High income parents 66 22 234 78
13 Working mothers 84 28 216 72
14 More fast food and outlets 126 42 174 58
15 Attractive cost and offers 180 60 120 40
16 Availability of more varieties 258 86 42 14
17 Compulsion by friends 150 50 150 50
18 Do not prepare food at home 66 22 234 78

CONCLUSION which will lead to improvement in the health of

As the adolescence is the most crucial period of people. Furthermore it will provide adolescents
transition in the overall human development, so an option to invest their pocket money in buying
the nutritional requirements in proper proportions nutrient rich foods.
particularly in this period assume pivotal role
for overall growth process. Clinically it has been Conflict of Interest - None
proved that the nutrient value of fast foods is
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