Consumption of Fast Foods by University Students - Essay Example

Fast Food Research Report Table of Contents Research Report on the consumption of fast foods by 3Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Literature review 5 Aims of the study 6 Background information 6 Research problem 7 Objectives of the research 7 Interview questions 8 Methodology 9 Focus groups and data collection 9 Data analysis 10 Ethical considerations 11 Discussion 11 Timescales 14 Conclusion 14 Reference List 16 Research Report on the consumption of fast foods by university students Abstract Fast foods are very much popular among college and university students despite the fact that their consumption has been associated with adverse effects on health and nutrition. These foods often provide energy-dense and nutrient poor food. However, practices and attitudes concerning the consumption of fast foods in colleges and universities have been understudied. To explore and examine the behavior of college students of buying fast foods, a cross-sectional study was carried out among students in the university. (Brevard & Ricketts 1996, 37) Oral interviews were conducted among students in the university. A total of 10 students per 4 focus groups completed the interviews. The prevalence of fast food consumption was 95 per cent and 43.3 percent of their pocket money was mainly spent on purchasing the foods. Approximately 22 percent of the interviewed respondents stated that they took fast food four days in a week and more than one-fifth of the population had the meal on daily basis. Although 90 percent were aware of the adverse effects of fast foods, they were still addicted to it. Health education programs, public awareness campaigns as well as dietary guidelines could be initiated so as to address the unhealthy lifestyles of the students and help them improve on their health. Good tastes of the foods, low costs were some of the main reasons given by the students for consuming fast foods occasionally. Others said that the foods are quick, easy to get and cheap. Other students said that they are very busy to cook and that they don’t like the experience of cooking. On the other hand, high costs and preference for other restaurants were the major reasons not to consume such foods (Fraser, Edwards, Cade, Clarke 2012, 82). The average monthly frequency of consumption of fast foods by the students was 4.05 (4.25 for men and 3.83 for ladies). As anticipated, the consumption of fast foods was considered to be a special event instead of being a part of ever day diet, closely connected with meeting close friends and celebrating on special occasions. Attitude towards the consumption of fast foods was not notably associated with the behavioral intention. Therefore, effective and efficient nutrition education programs on consumption of fast foods should include components to alter the subjective norms of fast food consumption, more so among peers as well as perceived behavioral control. Further studies should be conducted to examine effective ways of altering subjective norms and possible choices to fast food consumption for students in colleges and universities to alter perceived behavioral control (Brevard & Ricketts 1996, 35) Introduction Consumption of take away and fast foods by young people in colleges and universities is no longer confined only to the developed countries but of late it has spread to the developing countries. The culture of consuming fast foods has continued to replace the traditional meals among university and college students and is considered a big public health concern. Excess consumption of fast foods is in a manner responsible for obesity concerns as well as the dramatic cause of obesity related diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. Fast foods are very much popular among college and university students despite the fact that their consumption has been associated with adverse effects on health and nutrition. These foods often provide energy-dense and nutrient poor food. Fast foods are defined as easily prepared and processed foods that are served in restaurants and snack bars as quick meals or to be taken away. Fast food is a term that is given to food that is prepared and served very quickly and was first popularized in the US in 1950s. Any meal with less preparation time may be termed as fast food but basically, the term refers to foods sold in restaurants or stores with precooked and preheated ingredients and served to the customer in a packaged form for take away (Morse & Driskell 2009, 179) Fast foods are characterized as quick, cheap and easily accessible alternative to home cooked meals. They tend to have highly saturated fats, sugars, salt and calories. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), many fast foods have responded to the growing public awareness about nutrition by giving out some foods that are lower in fat and calories than their normal fare (Fraser, Edwards, Cade, Clarke 2012, 85). Literature review A consumer survey conducted in a certain university fast food mall to determine the patterns of fast food consumption among Philippine University students showed that a typical consumer of fast foods in the test university fast food mall was female aged between 16 and 22 years with a purchasing capability of less than US$1.79 for a complete meal, and who in general frequents the mall only on one occasion a day during weekdays. Wholesomeness, affordability as well as variety of the foods offered were the general basis for satisfaction of the typical student consumer. People at high chances of the negative consequences of poor nutrition due to the patterns in the local food affordability which tends to restrain the success of the efforts of nutrition promotion. Efforts to minimize the local availability of unhealthy foods and programs aimed at helping consumers identify the best strategies of obtaining healthy meals t fast food outlets may help improve health outcomes (Wart 2006, 152). A research survey on the prevalence of fast food consumption conducted from Timisoara University center showed that the unhealthy food consumption among university students was highly prevalent. This survey recommended for increased students’ nutrition information knowledge as well as provision of nutrition education. In addition to this, the creation of an eating environment with relatively more affordable health foods like fruits and vegetables less fast foods was deemed important for the implementation of the effective nutrition strategies among university students. Fruits and vegetables are believed to contain very high amounts of Polyphenols and vitamins A, E, C that power blood components and also reduce the inflammatory as well as endothelial dysfunction and thus prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. These vitamins are also linked to reduced risks of chronic diseases such as heart diseases. Polyphenols tend to influence cell metabolism through the regulation of gene expression as well as interactions with enzymes, receptors and other proteins (Brevard & Ricketts 1996, 35) Aims of the study The main idea behind this study was to explore and identify the reasons and the motivation as to why student buy fast foods in universities. This study was meant to examine the prevalence, preference and pattern of the consumption of fast foods among university students. Background information McDonald’s opened their first restaurant in California, USA, in the year 1948 and it has continued to spread the gospel behind fast food consumption ever since. Through the sale of fast foods especially to college students, McDonald’s, through its 35000 restaurants in more than 107 nations has generated sales of over $89 billion by the year 2013. However, research has showed that McDonald’s has been struggling of late due to stiffer competition on the part of fast foods. Research has shown that there are various American’s biggest and growing fast food chains that are competing with McDonald’s in the sale and distribution of fast foods. McDonald’s has dominated in Western Europe whereas KFC which is well known for their fried chicken tend to dominate in China and Asia. Overtime, the number of KFC outlets has continued to increase. For instance, it has increased by 60 percent over the past five years and even surpassed the American total in 2013. Another new bastion of American fast food culture is the Subway which started its operations in 1965 and by the year 2013, it had over 43000 restaurants in 108 nations across the globe. Currently, it is considered as the leader of fast foods across Asia and America. This shows that the consumption of fast foods is on the increase especially in colleges and universities (Fraser, Edwards, Cade, Clarke 2012, 77). Research problem There has been a challenge and problem on whether people should consume fast foods or not. Young adults who consume fast foods frequently tend to gain more weight and also have greater increase in the resistance of insulin in their early middle ages according to past research. For instance, in a certain research, it was noticed that after 15 years, people who ate fast foods more than twice a week compared to less than once a week had gained extra ten pounds and had greater increase in the resistance of insulin, a risk factor for the type 2 diabetes which is a major risk factor for heart diseases. Obesity and diabetes has been on the increase in the US and this important study highlights the value of health eating habits (Brevard & Ricketts 1996, 38) Fast food consumption has been on the increase in the US over the past three decades, and since it is difficult to eat healthy in a fast food restaurant, this study tends to bring into attention the rate of consumption of fast foods among college students. One major reason for obesity and overweight among college students is the consumption of fast foods which contain a lot of calories. Objectives of the research To identify the different types of fast foods available in universities and other institutions of higher learning To survey, investigate and explore the reasons as to why students in universities spend much on buying fast foods To assess and evaluate the reasons as to why university students buy fast foods To identify the risk factors of excessive consumption of fast foods among young adolescents in colleges and universities (Morse & Driskell 2009, 173) Documentation and assessment of students could be urged to stop spending excessively on the fast foods by teaching them on the adverse effects. Interview questions What is fast food? Do you perceive fast foods as fit or unfit for human consumption? How often do you consume fast foods either daily or per month in while still within the university? Why do you consume fast foods? What is the motivation behind consuming fast foods so often? Do you think you depend on fast food for you upkeep? If yes, why? Do you think you need to stop consuming fast foods? If yes, why? Why do you still prefer fast foods instead of other foods or even cooking for yourself in the hostels? What time do you choose to eat fast foods? Do you consume the food from the restaurant or you take it away to eat later? Do you agree that fast foods do not have to be unhealthy? Do you think fast foods are cheap? Do you think fast foods are relatively cheap than foods from the traditional restaurants? If yes, why still choose fast foods? Methodology Focus groups and data collection Interview technique was employed to explore and analyze the research question- reasons as to why university students consume fast foods? Data was collected through oral interviews conducted to 3 focus groups composed of 10 people each. Selection of the focus groups was based on demographic information such as age, gender, and the year of college. Mostly, we considered students of tender age for instance, between ages 18 to 25. Respondents were asked questions regarding the rates of consumption of fast foods within the colleges. Before answering the interview questions, the respondents were asked to be precise, creative and be professional when answering the questions so as to avoid ambiguity during data analysis. All respondents were reminded to ask any question for clarity purposes as far as the interview questions were concerned (Morse & Driskell 2009, 175) The interviews and discussion took place within the university premises with the help of the dean of students as well as the student’s body. For each focus, we only took approximately 30 minutes to interview the students. My role in the interview discussions was to coordinate the whole process as well as clarify anything asked by the respondents. I also got involved in the process of asking questions to the various interviewees. I got consent to conduct the interviews from the university management as well. The questions asked were specific and straightforward. The interview process mostly focused on the students who live within the surroundings of the university premises and not those who spend their nights from their parent’s homes. This was meant to ensure that the data collected fully represented the real university students since the intent of the assessment was to obtain or acquire the rate and prevalence of fast food consumption among college and university students. Mainly, the focus was on both men and ladies on average. For instance, an average of 5 men and 5 ladies as well as age limits of 19 to 22 for each focus group. in addition, we targeted those students who lived on their own and had active contact numbers and addresses to be contacted in cases of clarification. All this was stressed so as to make sure that the interview process was taken seriously (Wart 2006, 156). Data analysis This report represents the rate, prevalence and the reasons behind fast food consumption among university students. An average number of 30 students who spent most of their times in the universities were interviewed and examined. The general occurrence of fast food utilization was found to be approximately 95 percent of both male and females. The average monthly frequency of consumption of fast foods by the students was 4.05 (4.25 for men and 3.83 for ladies). In addition, approximately 44 percent of university students went to fast food restaurants at least once in a week and 56 percent went regularly. Among the students who reported visiting fast food restaurants regularly gave the following reasons: The biggest percentage said that these types of restaurants are quick and convenient for them. Another percentage stated that they were attracted by the taste of fast foods, sociability as well as its good value in terms of cost. The results showed that the students who consumed fast foods were reported to be obese and overweight. Results showed that majority of the students consuming fast foods were overweight. The prevalence of obesity was observed to have increased consistently with frequenting fast food restaurants from approximately 43.8 percent of those going less than once in a week to around 56.2 percent of those going two or even more times in week. 64 percent of the respondents agreed to the fact that fast foods are just part of the normal diet, 52 percent of the respondents were of the view that the consumption of fast foods is a measure of a person’s socio-economic status and around 61 percent agreed that fast food consumption was a symbol and sign of sophistication and enjoyment. Majority of the students agreed with the view that high consumption of fast foods has no effect on the body whereas another relatively smaller percentage agreed that fast foods lead to non communicable diseases. A relatively smaller percentage of the respondents were of the view that the rate of consumption of fast foods should be reduced so as to avoid the adverse effect on personal health whereas a larger percentage agreed that fast food consumption is always associated with obesity and weight gain and could eventually lead to heart diseases. Less than half of the respondents agreed with the fact that fast food consumption exposes one to developing diabetes and also agreed that consuming a lot of fast foods consistently increases a person’s chance of developing hypertension and that consumption of fast foods is dangerous to one’s health (Steyn, et.al 2001, 143). Ethical considerations Authorization for the examination was attained from the University’s Ethical Review Committee as well as from the dean of students of each of the respective universities. Verbal informed consent was obtained from each of the student respondents before administering the interviews. Also, approval was sought from the respective students associations before administering the interviews. Discussion Low costs as well as good tastes were the major reasons as to why many students consumed fast foods whereas high costs and preference for other traditional restaurants were the main reasons given by students for not consuming the fast foods. Fast foods were consumed more often during lunch times and that pizza, fried chicken and hamburgers were the top choices for majority students. Greater percentage of the respondents said that healthier meals would cost them much that when spending on fast foods. Data collected suggested that college students frequently consumed fast foods and would even pay more for the foods but would not select to buy nutrient-dense options (Wart 2006, 160). Majority respondents gave out the following reasons behind the consumption of fast foods in the universities: They are quick They are simple and easy to get to I like the taste of fast foods They are relatively inexpensive I tend to be too busy to cook It is a treat for myself I don’t like the experience of preparing foods myself My family as well as friends like consuming fast foods It is a way of socializing and sharing with friends and family members Fast food bistros have many wholesome foods to present They are fun and entertaining Some students were aware that fast foods are prepared with very high contents of salts, high sugar content, and also saturated cholesterol and fats. Some students were even aware of that any food item that is high in salt, sugar and fats could be referred to as junk food or simply fast food. It was believed among some university students that consumption of fast foods is one of the major risk factors for non communicable diseases as well as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. This study revealed that more than half of the respondents basically had no idea of how the consumption of fast foods could lead to non-communicable diseases as well as heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases. (Steyn, et.al 2001, 140). One possible explanation behind this is the fact that they do not agree that fast foods consumption could in any way lead to such diseases. Another reason could be that they are not enlightened or made aware about how fast foods consumption could possibly lead to such diseases. However, some of the students explained that fast foods tend to contain an extremely high contents of salt, cholesterol, sugar and fats which at times accumulate in the body leading to increased weights and obesity and then hypertension or heart diseases. This corresponded with a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) which reported that fast food stuffs that have high concentration of sugar, fats and sodium that tend to lead to additional unwanted calories and excess body fats that increases body weight (WHO, 2000). The report stated that being obese increases the possibility of suffering from coronary thrombosis, diabetes and hypertension There are certain misapprehensions which existed among the respondents with regards to the relationship that exist between consumption of food and non communicable diseases. For instance, some were of the conception that preparing fast foods in unhealthy environments and surroundings predisposes one to developing non-communicable diseases. However, such foods often lead to gastro intestinal infections which are curable when treated. Some other respondents believed that fast foods were part of the normal diet which is contrary to the description of fast food by various scholars and authors such as Wart who defined fast food as food that do not belong to any major food group. It was also believed that some fast foods could be taken as breakfast, lunch or even dinner as supported by other studies. This is equivalent to skipping meals which is never good for normal body growth and development (WHO, 2000) The finalization of the examination was that consumption out of fast foods is not all bad but the major issue is how often one consumes fast foods as well as the nutritional make up of such foods. In addition, the belief by respondents that excessive consumption of fast foods has negative effects on health can also collaborate by a certain rate with the study. It is true that being overweight could be a risk factor for diabetes and that eating excess fast foods increases the risk of being obese and overweight (Bowen et.al 2004, 112). All the results of the study and the conclusions were documented for future research projects. Among the respondents, a large percentage was of the perception that fast foods could be consumed anytime a person feels like but not so often. This may be true and more so depends on a person’s taste and craving which mostly depends on resources available and the accessibility of fast food outlets and restaurants. However, a few of the students who participated in the study did not find it compulsory to consume particular types of fast foods on a daily basis. This was believed to be due to a person’s affordability as well as a person’s taste and the desire as well as perceived health complications of such foods. Majority of the respondents consumed fast foods on weekly basis with differences only in the number of times per week (Steyn, et.al 2001, 145). Other types of fast foods commonly consumed by majority of the respondents were flour based products which were found to be high in carbohydrates, sugars and fats as documented. Some of the findings documented were that some respondents preferred fast foods to home-made foods with various reasons such as the fact that fast foods outlets are readily available, without the pressures and stress of personal preparation as well as the fact that fast foods are more delicious or have palatable taste. The availability of fast food restaurants and other outlets at almost every nook and cranny of campuses is a trend that reduces the intention of universities to cook meals at home (Haddad 2003, 603). Timescales The written interviews were administered to the willing students and each was given approximately an hour to answer the questions asked. The contestants were guaranteed of privacy and that their privacy was also assured in terms of their identities. After the data was collected from the respondents, it took only five days to analyze the data and document the results. Conclusion This report has shown that there are higher levels, rates and prevalence of fast food consumption among undergraduates in the universities. High levels of awareness on the adverse effects of fast foods consumption should be initiated in schools and universities so as to reduce the prevalence. High levels of awareness and knowledge of the nutrient constituents of fast foods as well as the risk factors for developing non-communicable diseases are needed so as to avoid further health complications. This report suggests that nutrition education programs should be instituted in colleges and other higher level institutions with emphasis on the promotion of healthy dietary food intakes and the choices of foods while highlighting the harmful and adverse effects of excessive consumption of fast foods (Haddad 2003, 600). For future research, we asked the willing students to give us their backgrounds, whether or not they have ever had a job related to fast foods and if yes, whether this affected how often they consumed fast foods or if they used to eat at the outlets or restaurants they worked in. In addition, knowing how factors of alcohol consumption could affect one in wanting to go and buy fast foods and if it is something that could be considered in future research. We also asked to conduct further in-person interviews as well as use of audio recordings to be able to read non-verbal and at other times go back and listen to other non verbal cues. 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Fast food consumption of U.S. adults: impact on energy and nutrient intakes and overweight status. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Apr;23(2):163-8. Morse KL, Driskell JA. 2009. Observed sex differences in fast-food consumption and nutrition self assessments and beliefs of college students. Nutr Res. 2009;29(3):173–179. Fraser LK, Edwards KL, Cade JE, Clarke GP. 2012. Fast food and obesity: a spatial analysis in a large United Kingdom population of children aged 13-15. Am J Prev Med. 2012 May;42(5):e77-85. Appendix: Transcribed Interviews Below are the transcriptions for the 10 interviews conducted for the focus groups. M is the interviewer whereas R represents the various respondents. For instance, R1 is respondent 1, R2, respondent 2 in that order. Demographic information such as age is included in parenthesis as follows: (gender, current year in the university, age). M: Do you ever eat fast food? R1: (Female, 3, 20) Yeah, Yeah, I do eat occasionally. R2: (Male, 4, 23) Not really. Not unless am out for a trip and it’s rare R3: (Female, 1, 18) Yes R4: (Female, 2, 18) No R5: (Male, 4, 20) Obvious, yes, I find it readily available R6: (Male, 2, 17) No. I used to eat but I stopped. M: What do you think is the correct definition of a fast food? R1: (Female, 3, 21) A fast food is any kind of food which is readily available R2: (Male, 5, 23) Foods we eat when in college R3: (Female, 3, 20) I think its self explanatory, yeah, any ready food in the restaurants and other food outlets R4: (Male, 5, 27) Any food that I eat when I am not cooking in the hostels. M: Do you normally think of such foods as fast foods? R1: (Female, 2, 22) Some of them, but not all R2: (Male, 5, 25) Yeah, I think of them as fast foods R3: (Female, 1, 19) Not really, I normally think of them as just normal foods M: Okay, about how many times a day, week, or month if that is more suitable do you eat fast foods? R1: (Male, 4, 24)Probably twice a month R2: (Female, 3, 19) Occasionally R3: (Female, 3, 20) Once in a day, yeah. R4: (Male, 5, 25) Probably twice in a week R5: (Female, 3, 23) Two days in a week R6: (Female, 2, 22) Too often, especially when am too busy with classes and meetings M: What are three main reasons why you eat fast foods? R1: (Male, 4, 26) They are quick, fast and convenient R2: (Female, 3, 22) I never get time to cook because am too busy, yeah, they are readily available and cheap R3: (Female, 2, 21) Umm, they are the best in terms of taste, and obvious they are cheap R4: (Male, 5, 24) It’s a way of socializing with my family and close friends as well, yeah and also, I don’t like the experience of cooking for myself R5: (Female, 1, 18) I’m craving it, the places where I usually go has food items that I like, usually I like craving for that, taste is a big reason, those are other places I go to eat R5: (Male, 1, 17) Quality, yeah, I consider fast foods as having good quality. M: So then am I hearing correctly that taste is one of the most important factors for you when picking a fast food place? R1: (Female, 3, 21) Yeah. R2: (Male, 5, 22) Yeah, those guys who cook are professionals in catering, so am like I will get delicious foods from such outlets. R3: (Male, 4, 23) Yeah, personally I never know how to cook, so I like consuming fast foods basically because my foods are not delicious. M: Why is it important to you that fast foods are cheaper? R1: (Female, 3, 21) Because I basically have no money R2: (Male, 5, 23) I am a broke college student with no money R3: (Female, 3, 20) My parents only give me inadequate money so I have no other option other than looking for fast food outlets which I consider to be cheap. R4: (Male, 5, 26)My parents got no money, so I have to budget for my money well M: Why is it important to you guys that the quality of the food in fast food outlets and restaurants is good, or what essentially do you mean by quality of fast foods? R: (Male, 5, 25)Well the quality of the ingredients used, because fast food restaurants buy things in bulk, and at some of the place, you can see the ingredients in front of you, thus I think it is more of a trust thing. Being able to tell that the ingredients are fresh is equally important. M: Why do you mean by fast foods being “convenient”? R1: (Female, 2, 18) Because if I have like an hour between classes, I need to have something to eat and can only get it quickly from the fast food outlets R2: (Female, 3, 19) Because if I have some place or class to be the service is quick. R3: (Male, 5, 26) Fast foods are convenient in that am too busy and have a lot of classes and meetings during the day, so if I need food I just visit the nearby restaurants and eat M: According to you as an individual, do you think fast foods are healthy? R1: (Female, 2, 19) Yeah, yeah, and why not? Think I am already healthy R2: (Female, 3, 20) Not really, for instance, I care for my health, weight, calories and the future as well. Have ever heard that fast foods add a lot of calories, but I counter that with a lot of Gym services. R3: (Male, 5, 26) No, they are not healthy, personally have added a lot of weight and calories basically because am spending a lot on fast foods R4: (Male, 4, 24) Yeah, I had to reduce my expenditure on fast foods because I had been diagnosed of high blood pressure and was advised but the doctor to stop eating a lot of fatty fast foods. My family too has a history f high blood pressure, so I had to top completely. Read More