Factors influencing the fast-food consumption frequency among undergraduates of Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Fast food has been revolutionized by modernization and globalization, and Sri Lankans, particularly young people with busy schedules, embrace it for its convenience. This could reduce their nutritional status and increase their risk of diet-related noncommunicable diseases. This study aims to relate the factors that influence the frequency of fast-food consumption among undergraduates of the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL). A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data from 100 randomly chosen students in five batches at the EUSL Faculty of Agriculture. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software package. Descriptive statistics were used to explain the study variables, and a chi-square analysis was done to find out the factors influencing fast-food consumption frequency. The results revealed that more than half of the students (82%) were female from various districts of Sri Lanka. When it came to choosing fast food items, the majority of students gave preference to taste. However, when it came to the diversity of the menu, they gave preference to taste when they consumed fast food on a weekly basis. Almost half of the students consume fast food 1-2 times per week. Additionally, the menu’s variety and the time allotted for preparation, tasting, and dining with loved ones affected how frequently they consumed fast food each week. The study reveals that most students prefer fast food for snacks, which could be beneficial for undergraduate health care and promote healthier dietary choices.