Abstract:
The increasing prevalence of junk food consumption among adolescents posses
significant health risks. Therefore adolescents need to have knowledge and practices
related to the health risks caused by the consumption of junk food. Hence the present
study was carried out to assess junk food consumption among adolescents aged between
13-19 in Gampaha town, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was carried out by taking
a total of 379 students according to the described formula and a random sampling
technique was adopted. They were interviewed by administering a semi-structured
questionnaire. The descriptive analysis was used to study the socio-demographic
characteristics and attitudes related to junk food consumption of the participants and
Pearson's chi-square was applied to assess the association between variables. Most of
the participants were l4-year-old students. Compared to the male students, female
students participated more. Most students have a nuclear family environment, and
almost all students live with their parents. A higher percentage of parents complete A/L
education. Most of the fathers work in the private sector and mothers are housewives.
Most of the family's income ranges between Rs. 50000-100000 per month. Most
adolescents know about junk food. Students eat 1 to 2-time junk foods per day and
spend between Rs 50-100 per day, a majority of students responded that junk food is
available at the school canteen. Many students have experienced an energetic feeling
after consuming junk food. Many students choose junk food because of their taste. The
present study found that there was a significant association (p<0.05) between
knowledge about junk food and living status, fathers' education and mothers'
occupation. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between money expenditure
and age, living status, father's education, father's occupation, and family income.
Additionally, there was a significant association (p<0.05) between knowledge about
non-communicable diseases due to junk food consumption and some sociodemographic
characteristics such as family type, living status, and mother's occupation. The study
highlights the need for targeted nutritional education programs and policy interventions
to mitigate the adverse health effects associated with junk food consumption among
adolescents. By addressing these factors, we can promote healthier dietary habits and
inrprove the overall well-being of this vulnerable population.
