Prevalence of Fast Food Eating among Sample of Students in Baquba Technical Institute
Background: Fast food consumption has evolved to become more than just a food to be consumed in line with modernity in the world, especially among students in urban regions (small and large cities). Fast food is defined as food that is quickly prepared, such as chips, sandwiches, hamburgers, fried chicken, French fries, chicken nuggets, fish, pizza, or ice cream. It is also known as an alternative to home-cooked food because of its reasonable prices, quick service, availability, convenience, and appropriate environment provided by fast food outlets. Objectives: Determining the relationship between eating fast food with student demographic characteristics Methods: This descriptive prevalence survey, was carried out at the Baquba Technical Institute from the (1st January –2022 ending on 28thFebruary - 2022). The 200 students who made up the entire sample for this study — 100 men and 100 women — ranged in age from 21 to 3.32 years. Before beginning, permission was acquired to conduct this investigation. Due to the informed nature of the sample, non-responding was not taken into account while determining the sample size for the research that benefits the community. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24. Results: In the current study, 200 college students total were included, with a mean age of 21 3.32 years, 50% males and 50% females, with 42% of them living in rural areas and the rest in urban ones. The highest percentage of fast-food consumption occurs in the age group of 20 to 24 years (71, 61.47%), and males consume it more frequently than females (58, 50.43%) statistically speaking. Fast food consumption was found to be statistically not significantly associated with demographic variables (age, gender, and residency). Those who eat fast food represent 69% of urban dwellers. Conclusion: The majority of studied sample consume 44% of meals per day, fast-food eaten habits found more among male than female. Hamburger, Falafel, Potatoes, sag and cake consumed mostly by male. Female students prefer Coffee & Nescafe and soft drinks more than other beverage types. Recommendation: The role of family & government is vital in educating on health, especially to the younger generation regarding fast-food. Universities and colleges should take a step forward as well as make plans to limit the sale of fast food on campus, also replace it with healthy meals.