Fast Food, Snacking and Health-related Quality of Life among Overweight and Obese Primary School Children of MyBFF@school Intervention Program

Abstract

<p>This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between fast foods and snacks consumption with the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among 1138 overweight and obese primary school children with mean(SD) age of 9.9(0.9) years old. Data was collected at baseline in which the frequency of fast food consumption (FFC) and snacking in the past week were measured using a pre-tested nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire whereas the HRQOL was measured using the KINDL<sup>R </sup>questionnaire. Spearman’s rank order correlation found significant negative association between FFC and emotional well-being (rs=-0.066, p<.05). Significant negative associations were also observed between snacking frequency with physical well-being (rs=-0.071, p<.05) and emotional well being (rs=-0.073, p<.05). The findings from this study suggest that the physical well-being and emotional well-being of overweight and obese children could be attributed to the FFC and snacking. Therefore, these type of foods should not be encouraged to be included in children’s diet.</p>