Research: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Impact of Junk Food Addiction on Obesity Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract:

Background and Objective: Fast food consumption among university students is a major public health issue. Food habits have altered, there is a high level of stress, and urban living has undermined nutrition awareness, resulting in a great gap in knowledge regarding eating habits. The cross-sectional study at Mangalore, India-based Srinivas College of Pharmacy assessed the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and correlation of junk food addiction and obesity. Methods: A 30-item survey questionnaire was filled out by 254 students between the ages of 18-26 years. Demographic details, junk food consumption habits, and body mass index were determined by qualitative and quantitative methods. Statistical procedures such as Pearson correlation and calculation of odds ratio analyzed junk food consumption correlates and obesity risk. Results: The sample consisted of 45% males and 55% females. Food culture revealed that 33.3% ate junk food 2-3 times a week, and 13.3% ate it more than six times a week. Just 40% were aware of risk factors for obesity, and 33.3% were aware of the risk factor of addiction in junk food. The majority of consumption drivers were taste (26.7%) and stress (26.7%). Prevalence of obesity was 25%, and frequent intake doubled the risk of obesity (OR = 2.5) and was moderately positively correlated with body mass index (r = 0.38). Conclusions: The practice-knowledge level of knowledge gap in junk food addiction and obesity is rather significant. The research invokes powerful evidence for intervention of eating behavior, psychological cues, and nutrition education among university students. Keywords: Junk food addiction, obesity, college students, dietary habits, public health, Srinivas College of Pharmacy.

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