Trends of Junk Food consumption among College going Adolescents based on Planned Behavior Theory, A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Junk food consumption is new trend in Pakistan and everywhere junk food spots are opened which are easily accessible and affordable by teenagers. High consumption of junk food has developed its huge popularity which has low content of nutrients but it includes high content of sugar, fats, salts and food preservatives. Junk food consumption pattern in adolescents reported enormously in Pakistan.

Objective: To explore junk food consumption in college going adolescents based on theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Moreover, TPB is based on relationship among subjective norms, behavioural intention and perceived behavioural control.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 355 adolescents. Sample was selected based on probability sampling method, in which first sample was selected based on cluster sampling method and secondly, based on random sampling method. Using SPSS, outcomes were computed on data gathered, it includes percentages, frequencies, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis between dependent and independent variables.

Results: showed that junk food consumption patterns among adolescents were average accounted for 50%. More than 80% of junk food was consumed when friends were around.

Conclusion: Using TPB, attitude toward health was main element. Hence, knowledge and awareness level were high among adolescents but perceived control behaviour was modified by their peers which let them consume high rate of junk food even knowing fact that junk food has an unhealthy effect on health status.

Keywords: Junk Food, Subjective Norms, Consumption, Adolescent, Behaviour, Life style