Predilection for Junk Food Consumption Among 15-Year-Old Schoolchildren in North Chennai, India

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the predilection for junk food consumption among 15-year-old schoolchildren in North Chennai. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among the schools in North Chennai, India. Cluster sampling methodology was used to recruit the subjects for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. A total of 427, 15-year-old schoolchildren participated in the study. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to determine the significance. All the participants reported that they liked all types of junk food, and were aware that chemicals were present in the junk food. Nearly 58.3% of the students knew that junk foods caused diseases. All the participants told that their parents were aware about their junk food consumption habits. Nearly 98.1% of students reported that the presence of junk food outlets in and around their school influenced them to consume more junk food, which, as reported by all the students, was increasing day by day. The study concluded that the predilection for junk food is high and the consumption is increasing day- by day among schoolchildren because of various influential factors.