Fast Food Intake Frequency among Young Generation during COVID-19 Pandemic in Selected Area of Dhaka City

Abstract

Introduction: Fast food is energy dense food with a high amount of refined sugar, wheat, flour, trans-fat, polyunsaturated fat, salt, numerous additives and low nutrient value in terms of protein, fiber, vitamins and mineral content. The nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 forced people to stay at home for a prolonged period associated with anxiety, and boredom caused by home confinement influenced to change in lifestyle patterns, reduction diet quality and promote overconsumption.

Objective: The study aimed to observe the frequency of junk food consumption among the young generation (15-25 years old) during the COVID-19 Pandemic and compare the change of before and during COVID-19 situation.

Methods & materials: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in different area of north and south city corporation in Dhaka city focusing on the young generation aged 15-25 years old from September 2020 to April 2021. Total sample size was 315 and the sample was selected randomly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data was collected from the participant through Online Google Form due to of pandemic issue.

Data Analysis: Collected data was coded and analyzed by using SPSS for Windows, version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The statistical significance of difference between values was assessed by chi-square test. A probability level of 0.05 or less significant.

Result: The study had found out among the 3-age category from 19-22 years preferred fast food more (64.78%) than others during the pandemic period (p=0.04). Male were taking fast food more than female. Female had increased fast food consumption 12.35% than before and male had increased 15.27% than before (p<0.01). That significantly stated male participants were more influenced by the Pandemic towards fast food. And a significant weight gain (57.14%) was noticed among the 19-22 years age participants, 32.4% male informed to gain weight more than 4kg and 37.4% female1-2 kg during that period. The physical activity level was significantly (p<0.01) dropped during the Pandemic both in male and female participants.

Conclusion: The study exposed during pandemics people were taking fast food relentlessly more (13.81%) than normal period. But in spite of attempting to cut down the unhealthy habit of taking fast food, they couldn’t make it totally because of their slothful life and being quarantine in a long period in the home.

The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 11 (2), July 2023; p 32-38