Influences of nutrition information on fast food consumption among undergraduates

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the influences of providing nutrition information on fast food restaurant menus, especially among Malaysian undergraduates, who often eat outside the campus during the semester. A validated questionnaire, adapted from previous studies was used to determine the general perception of nutrition information and nutrient intake when eating at fast food restaurants. A total of 185 undergraduates from three different schools participated-medical sciences (n=54, 29.2%), dentistry, (n=54, 29.2%), health sciences (n= 77, 41.6%) in a university. In general, the majority of the undergraduates ate fast food at least once a week (n= 105, 56.8%) and most of them preferred to eat outside on weekends (n=156, 84.3%). Majority perceived that it was important to provide nutrition information at fast food restaurant (n=183, 98.9%). The mean for calorie, fat and sodium composition of their food choices were significantly different between before and after providing nutrition information of food items that they intended to purchase (p<0.001). Student’s intention to purchase definitely differed when they were well informed about the nutrition value of food.