Practice of Fast Food Consumption among University Students and Variables Associated with the Practice

Abstract

Fast food consumption is one of the most well-known aspects practiced among different societies, being especially popular among children and adolescents. The significance of this study is to analyse college students' knowledge about fast food consumption and find determinant factors along with the prevalence of fast-food consumption among the students of Gulf Medical University. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 students at Gulf Medical University. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Out of 400 participants included in the research, 89.25% ate fast food; out of those, 77.5% believed that fast food consumption might cause obesity, 20.2% consumed fast food 1-2 times a month, 84.4% participants expected to spend less than 50 AED on fast food meal, 72.6% said they choose fast food because they enjoyed its taste, 87.9% both ate fast food and worked out, and 66.7% stated that proximity of fast food restaurants determined whether they consume fast food instead of proper food. 89.3% of participants were aware that fast food was unhealthy. One of the main reasons for fast food consumption was the influence of friends. With increasing age, participants became concerned about health complications of fast-food consumption, such as stroke or liver disease. Participants heavily favoured fast food during late-night study sessions as it helped them stay awake. Moreover, participants who consumed fast food also packed sugary/salty snacks as lunches, probably to find a suitable substitution.