Consumption Of Junk Food And Awareness Regarding Its Effects On Health Among Adolescents Of A Selected Public School In Birgunj

Abstract

Globalization and urbanization have greatly affected one's eating habits and forced to consume high calorie fast foods, popularly
known as Junk foods. Coronary artery disease, obesity and diabetes mellitus has significant rise due to junk food consumption. The
objective of the study was to find out consumption and awareness regarding health hazards of Junk food among adolescents. The
findings of the study revealed that majority (89.1%) of the adolescents had high level of consumption of junk food. Most adolescents
(76%) had low awareness level regarding health hazards of junk food consumption. There was no significant association between the
levels of awareness regarding health hazards of junk food consumption with selected socio-demographic characteristics of
adolescents. . Methodology- A Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 129 adolescents of Public School, Birgunj
selected by using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected by using pre tested Self-administered
structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. Inferential statistics
like Chi square test was used to find out association between levels of awareness regarding health hazards of junk food consumption
with selected Socio-demographic variables of adolescents. Result- The study concluded that there was high consumption level and
low awareness level regarding health hazards of junk food consumption among adolescents. So, this study could be important in
designing the community based interventions where teachers and school administration can organize awareness programs on
consumption and awareness regarding health hazards of junk food among adolescents and parents in adopting strategies.