Energy contribution of NOVA food groups and socio-demographic determinants of ultra-processed groups among adults in Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

The Malaysian Nutrition Research Priorities for Malaysia’s 11th Plan noted the necessity to investigate in depth the consumption of ultra-processed food among the Malaysian population. No empirical research has focused on exploring the energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and the socio-demographic determinants of ultra-processed foods. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods with socio-demographic factors particularly in Terengganu, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study provides a novel approach to quantifying energy contribution of 200 adults (living in Terengganu; aged 18 to 59 years) based on the ultra-processed food classification named as NOVA, via semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, and to determine the association between energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and socio-demographic characteristics. The self-administered questionnaire consists of three sections: socio-demographic profile, frequency of ultra-processed food consumption and energy contribution of NOVA food groups. All data were analysed using SPSS version 21. The findings show that the contribution of ultra-processed foods among respondents was lower (40.38%) compared to unprocessed and minimally processed foods (55.73%). The most frequent consumed ultra-processed foods were noodles and fried chicken (fast food). Meanwhile, the least frequently consumed foods included frozen chicken pie and garlic spread. There were significant associations between the energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and marital status, educational level, monthly household income and occupational status meanwhile there was no significant association between age and gender at p<0.05. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of ultra-processed foods consumption using NOVA classification via semi-quantitative FFQ in Malaysia.