Drivers of Food Choice Among College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract

Background: Ethiopia is one of the developing countries hit by the double burden of malnutrition both under and over nutrition. Inappropriate food choice decisions are among the reasons for the problem, which are poorly investigated in the country, and it is concerned with providing information about the drivers of food choice decision-making process behavior that reflects the behavior of the young population, particularly in college students, which provides a window of opportunity for nutritional interventions. Therefore, this study aims to assess drivers of food choice among college students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 students who were selected using multistage sampling. For analysis, data were input into Epi Info version 7 and exported to STATA version 16.0. To summarize the data, descriptive measures such as frequencies, percentages, and summary measures were employed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed using a structural equation model to identify the driving factors of food choice. Results: Mood, health concern, sensory appeal, price, convenience, and familiarity were identified as drivers of food choice with significant factor loadings (p < 0.001) and acceptable internal consistency of items (alpha=0.91). However, the naturalness of the dietary composition and weight concerns have received the least attention. Conclusion: The study identified various biological, social, and economic factors that drive food choice decisions. Effective nutrition education and preventive interventions should be implemented to reduce unhealthy food decisions among college students through promoting favorable food choice decisions.