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College students' perception of risk factors related to fast food consumption

and their eating habits

Article · January 2018

DOI: 10.35841/nutrition-human-health.2.1.18-21

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Review Article http://www.alliedacademies.org/nutrition-human-health/

College student’s perception of risk factors related to fast food consumption

and their eating habits.
Sam Abraham1*, Manuel Martinez2, Gabriela Salas3, Jessica Smith4
1
Bethel College School of Nursing, Mishawaka, Indiana, USA
2
Emergency Department, Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart, Indiana, USA
3
Department of Nursing, Saint Mary Medical Center, Valparaiso, Indiana, USA
4
Department of Rehabilitation, Hubbard Hill Estates, Elkhart, Indiana, USA

Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to explore college students’ perceptions of the health
effects of fast food consumption and their eating habits. The consequences of increased fast food
consumption among college students is rising health problems, which include obesity, diabetes,
and metabolic syndrome. The problem was explored in a quantitative survey using a cross-
sectional approach with a descriptive design. A sample size of 120 college students among a
2000 student-body population in the Midwestern United States participated in the survey. On a
4-point Likert-type scale of strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (4), the strongest agreement for
the perception statement was: “Obesity is linked to increased fast food consumption” (M=3.54;
SD=0.57). However, in the habit category, the students claimed, “I go to fast food restaurants
more often, in the evenings, when hanging out with friends” (M=3.08; SD=0.73). The students
were aware of the risks associated with fast food consumption on health; however, their eating
habits did not indicate they practiced what they knew could be harmful to their health, especially
when they were socializing with friends. Hopefully, this study will help attract attention to evils
of food choices and its effects on health.

Keywords: Fast food in college, College students eating habits, Eating college life, Nutrition of college students.

Accepted on January 18th, 2018

Introduction have access. The college in the current study was no different
in this aspect. This college in the study lies within walking
Increased fast food consumption can affect health because it
distance to more than a dozen fast food restaurants outside of
has been linked to a diet that is “high in calories, saturated fat,
the campus limits. Dingman et al. observed that the geographic
sugar, and sodium, as well as body fatness, weight gain, and
proximity might increase the fast food consumption within that
increased body mass index” [1]. These nutritional components
community.
coupled with a sedentary lifestyle could lead to health problems.
Dingman et al. found that 23% of the student meals came from There were many factors that did contribute to the college-
fast food, and 50% of the students reported eating at least three aged group consuming more fast food meals, including ease
fast food meals per week. Therefore, the problem is that eating of access, limited time, busy schedule, and the social aspect of
a significant amount of fast food meals could lead to a dominant eating fast food with friends. There was sufficient evidence that
impact on future health. Despite the advent of college meal suggested increasing the energy dense foods in a diet coupled
plans, many students continue to consume a lot of meals at fast with behaviors characteristic of college students, such as eating
food restaurants [1]. The purpose of the quantitative study was out and snacking promote weight gain [1]. The lack of physical
to determine the perception of risk factors related to increased activity together with increased consumption of fast food meals
fast food consumption and the eating habits of college students. has a direct impact on health. Shah et al. found that majority of
Two research questions used to lead this study were: (1) What students who engaged in only low levels of activity were either
are college students’ perception of fast food consumption? (2) overweight or obese. [2]
What are college students’ fast food eating habits? Overweight and obesity is a common world-wide problem [2,3].
Background and the Review of Literature The caloric intake and large portion sizes in fast food restaurants
coupled with high saturated fats and low nutrient content lead to
Articles for the review of literature were found mostly from overeating and weight gain. The highest percentage of students
Ebscohost. Keywords used were “fast food college,” “college eating out are in the obese group [2]. The diffusion of fast food
students eating habits,” “eating college life,” and “nutrition restaurants resulting from the rapid influence of international
of college students.” The peer-reviewed articles were published marketing is leading to increases in overweight and obese individuals
between 2012 - 2014. [2,4]. Overconsumption can lead to further complications such as
Fast food restaurants are becoming a common sight, and they diabetes, which is a chronic disease and is associated with other
make it much easier for people of different backgrounds to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and

18 J Nutr Hum Health 2018 Volume 2 Issue 1

Citation: Abraham S, Martinez M, Salas G, et al. College student’s perception of risk factors related to fast food consumption and their eating
habits. J Nutr Hum Health. 2018;2(1):18-21

diabetes. Causes for these health complications include lack of health effects or positive health effects. The term “MetS” refers
access to healthy foods, limited access to safe places to exercise to an enzyme in the blood that is increased in people who have
and limited access to healthcare [5]. metabolic syndrome.
Bahadoran, Mirmiran, Hosseini-Esfahani, and Azizi stated Method
that fast foods are usually accompanied by increased levels of
triglycerides. When the body has metabolic syndrome (MetS), The research method used for this study was quantitative,
which includes heart conditions, diabetes, and stroke, the body cross-sectional with a descriptive design. Approval from the
has high levels of an enzyme called MetS in their body. This Institutional Review Board was obtained before data collection.
is significant because increased fast food consumption leads The survey instrument was created after a thorough review
to increased cholesterol, which in turn is leading to many of of the literature. The tool was evaluated by two peers and the
the significant health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart faculty to obtain face validity. A 4-point Likert-type scale was
conditions, and stroke [6]. There are higher levels of MetS used to develop the survey. The scale options were (1) strongly
in younger adults, less than 30 years of age, those that have disagree, (2) disagree, (3) agree, and (4) Strongly agree. The
a larger waist circumference and eat fewer fruits, grains, and convenience sample size was 120 students in a college situated
vegetables [6]. Phytochemical-rich foods are vegetables, fruits, in the Midwestern United Sates with a population of nearly
grains, and beans which many fast food restaurants lack. These 2000 students. All the participants were students 18 years or
are important nutritional components to a healthy individual’s older. The students were surveyed during lunch and dinner
diet as suggested by the national nutrition intake resource, hours because those are the two meals with the largest number
myplate [7]. The choices of food at fast food establishments are of people. Permission to use the dining area was received from
also low in fiber. Increased fast food consumption is providing the manager. Surveys were distributed in the hallway outside
a lack of nutrients to individuals and leading to harmful chronic the dining area. A table was available for students to write on
diseases [6,8]. and pens were provided on the tables for the students to use.

Jaworowska, Blackham, Davies, and Stevenson found that The informed consent was given with the survey, along with
students whose diets included a copious amount of fast food a copy for the student. The students were notified that one of
were more at risk for containing higher amounts of fat, sugar, the informed consents was for their record. The participants
sodium, and higher intakes of energy. Additionally, fast food signed the informed consent. They were then asked not to
was shown to contain more calories but less fiber, vitamins, or write their name on the actual survey to prevent violation of
micronutrients [9]. There is a direct relation with obesity and confidentiality. After the survey had been completed, the survey
consuming more fast food calories. College students aged 19- and the informed consent were placed in separate envelopes.
29 without a meal plan spend more money and consume more The students were thanked and offered candy for taking the time
calories from eating fast food, which results in obesity than to complete the survey.
students with a meal plan [10]. Results and Discussion
In summary, there is a correlation between eating fast food The final sample consisted of 125 surveys, which was reduced
and overall health. Fast food restaurants serve food that is to 120 after five surveys had to be eliminated because of
tasty but with low fiber and nutrients. They contain additives incompletion. Ninety-nine percent of participants were aged
and ingredients that may cause chronic health problems, such 18-23. Female students were slightly higher in number (57%)
as metabolic syndrome, heart problems, and stroke. Students than males but the year in college was somewhat spread out
in the overweight and obese group spend more money at fast for all 4 years with freshmen 25%, Sophomores 16%, Juniors
food restaurants. The proximity of the college to fast food 37% and seniors 22%. Majority of students were White (80%),
restaurants increases easy access and use of such services. others included African-Americans, Hispanic, Asian and others.
Students are aware of the ill effects of fast food eating practices; Ninety-one percent lived on campus housing and had a college
however, the college schedule, activities, and the push to submit meal plan.
assignments on time, and the peer pressure to socialize results in
consumption of easily accessible food. In Table 1, the mean of each statement is ranked from highest
to lowest based on the agreement. The item, which most
Definition of terms participants agreed, was, “Obesity is linked to increased fast
As an operational definition for this research, fast food was food consumption.” (M=3.54, SD=0.57). The participants also
considered to be a place that offers a drive-thru window and tended to agree that in comparison to fast food, they can eat
serves food quickly, such as McDonalds, Burger King, Arby’s, more balanced food at home, the homemade meals are healthier,
Dairy Queen, Wendy’s and similar chains. Healthy meals and it makes them feel good. They strongly disagreed with the
are defined as those that are low in saturated fats, contain the statement, “Fast food does not affect my health.”
MyPlate proportions of each food group, and are made with In the perception category, the participants overwhelmingly
real products and not manufactured, processed foods. Positive agreed that eating fast food contributes to obesity. However,
health effects include all the positive health outcomes that lead their habits did not match their knowledge. Socializing with
to a healthy, functioning body. Negative health outcomes from friends in fast food restaurants, in the evenings, was common
eating fast food include high cholesterol, high sugars, and weight practice in this group. The proximity of these restaurants to
gain. Throughout the paper, they will be identified as negative the college campus is notable. Dingman et al. had warned that

J Nutr Hum Health 2018 Volume 2 Issue 1 19

 Abraham/Martinez/Salas/et al.

Table 1. What are college students’ perceptions on fast food consumption?

Variables M SD
Obesity is linked to increased fast food consumption. 3.54 0.57
I get a more balanced diet when I eat home cooked meals. 3.47 0.55
Eating home-made meals makes me feel good. 3.45 0.58
Home-made meals are healthier than fast food meals. 3.45 0.58
Diabetes is a consequence of our eating habits. 3.18 0.64
Hypertension is a consequence of eating habits 2.74 0.78
I am more conscious of the calories I consume when I eat at fast food restaurants. 2.27 0.9
Fast food is cheaper than making home-made meals. 2.25 0.89
Fast food meals are more appealing than homemade healthy meals. 1.89 0.81
Eating fast food has the same caloric intake as eating at home. 1.79 0.71
Fast food does not affect my health. 1.62 0.71
Note: (N=120). Items were rated on a 4-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree)

Table 2. What are college students’ fast food consumption habits?

Variables M SD
I go to fast food restaurants more often when hanging out with friends. 3.08 0.73
I tend to eat more fast food in the evening. 2.75 0.79
I tend to eat fast food more often on my busy days. 2.64 0.81
I always get a soft drink along with my meal when eating fast food. 2.03 0.91
I always consume at least one serving of either fruits or vegetables when eating fast food. 1.99 0.74
I consume fast food products more than twice a week. 1.98 0.9
I tend to eat more fast food in the morning. 1.68 0.65
I purchase dessert along with my entrée when dining at fast food restaurants. 1.63 0.61
Note: (N=120). Items were rated on a 4-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree)

young adults aged 20-39 consume more fast food than the older Eating habits are directly related to a person’s health. The food
population. people eat, can influence their health positively or negatively.
This study indicates there is a disconnect between the knowledge
The statement, “I get a more balanced diet when I eat home
and eating habits in college students. The students also showed a
cooked meals,” received a mean of 3.47 (SD=0.55). This
large agreement on not focusing on the calories consumed when
statement may not have been appropriate for this group because
eating fast food. This shows there may be a lack of concern
91% lived in on-campus housing and were on a meal plan to
relating to the large amount of calories that fast food contains
eat at the college dining services. Perceptions such as eating
and the value of those calories when they are socializing with
home-made meals are healthier than fast foods, diabetes and
friends. The students were aware of the risks associated with
hypertension are the consequences of eating habits, received
their unhealthy eating habits, but their habits did not correlate
means above the midpoint indicating moderate agreement.
with their knowledge base. Students need to be motivated on
Students in this study agree that fast food is cheaper than
how to apply the knowledge they possess into their lifestyle.
home-made meals, and they are conscious of the calories they
Further research should focus on the students’ knowledge of the
consume at fast food restaurants. However, studies by De Vogli,
relation between their eating habits and chronic illness. Further
Kouvonen and Gimeno, Dingman et al., and Shah et al., [1,2,4]
research can also include exercise habits after they eat fast food.
indicate increased calorie consumption and weight gain in
individuals eating fast food. The participants did not think that Limitations
fast food is more appealing. A mean of 1.62 (SD=0.71) for the
statement “Fast food does not affect my health,” indicates good The students were surveyed in the dining area on campus, so
knowledge of the health effects. the majority of the students surveyed lived on campus, and they
were on a meal plan. However, the school is located in an area
Table 2 contains the fast food consumption habits of college with a variety of fast-food options making it easier or more likely
students. The most notable statement of agreement was, “I go to for the students to choose fast food. The survey instrument was
fast food restaurants more often when hanging out with friends new, and the sample size was rather small.
(M=3.08, SD=0.73). This occurred mostly in the evening. I
go to fast food restaurants more often when hanging out with Conclusion
friend’s Moderate agreement was noted for the statement, “I Individual consumers need to be more aware and educated about
always get a soft drink along with my meal when eating fast their individual dietary needs, and devise their dietary strategies
food.” The participants overwhelmingly disagreed that they for food choice according to their health. In this context, the
purchase desserts when dining at fast food restaurants. They did supportive role of families, teachers, and governments in making
not consume at least one serving of either fruits or vegetables individuals, especially the younger generation, more educated
when eating fast food. Though not consuming deserts is a good about health and nutrition can make a significant difference in
choice, not eating fruits or vegetables may lead to MetS in the improvement of community health worldwide. There are
young adults [6]. planned meals in school and at home. However, it is important

20 J Nutr Hum Health 2018 Volume 2 Issue 1

Citation: Abraham S, Martinez M, Salas G, et al. College student’s perception of risk factors related to fast food consumption and their eating
habits. J Nutr Hum Health. 2018;2(1):18-21

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*Correspondence to:
Sam Abraham, RN, MS, DHA
Assistant Professor of Nursing,
Bethel College School of Nursing,
Mishawaka,
Indiana,
USA.
Tel: 269-240-7467
E-mail: [email protected]

J Nutr Hum Health 2018 Volume 2 Issue 1 21

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