The socio-ecological model as a framework for understanding junk food consumption among schoolchildren in Nepal

Abstract

Background: The consumption of industrially processed food, popularly known as junk food, is a growing public health concern worldwide, including in Nepal. Schoolchildren are a vulnerable group and they consume junk food at school. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine multi-level determinants of junk food consumption among basic schoolchildren using the socio-ecological model as a framework. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students ( n = 404), and a self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. The chi-square test and logistic regression were applied to analyse the results using SPSS version 26. Results: Nearly half (47%) of the students reported that they consumed junk foods at snack time. Important variables for explaining junk food consumption were knowledge of food and nutrition—a micro-level determinant; sharing knowledge of food and nutrition with classmates at school—a meso-level determinant; grade of student—an exo-level determinant; and occupation of parents—a macro-level determinant. However, multivariate analysis found that knowledge of food and nutrition ( p < 0.05), and sharing knowledge of food and nutrition with classmates at school ( p < 0.05) were the significant predictors of junk food consumption. Conclusions: Junk food consumption is common among basic-level students in the study schools. Multi-level determinants explain the factors associated with this behaviour, extending from micro to macro as the socio-ecological model asserts. This study points to the need for comprehensive school-based nutrition education that targets multiple levels of influence, focusing on active learning approaches to promote healthy dietary behaviour in students.

Who Likes Unhealthy Food with a Strong Flavour? Influence of Sex, Age, Body Mass Index, Smoking and Olfactory Efficiency on Junk Food Preferences

“…In order to take care of the health of the population, changes in the food industry should be pursued to improve the quality of the products sold, and preventive programmes on healthy eating should be conducted. According to studies [ 3 , 51 ], better educated people make better nutritional decisions. These programmes should target young people, especially young men.…”

“…Globalisation and economic development have contributed to the modification of both the nutritional profile and eating habits of entire human populations. Since the 20th century, traditional fresh and home-prepared food comprising minimally processed products rich in essential nutrients has largely been replaced by pre-prepared, widely available and affordable ultra-processed food—UPF, also referred to as ‘junk food’ [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The simple methods of processing food and extending its shelf life practised at home have been known to mankind for a long time, but, over the past 100 years, food processing has become industrialised.…”

What Makes Ultra-Processed Food Appealing? A critical scan and conceptual model

“…However, few studies have taken up the more focused goal of explaining the appeal of UPF and even fewer apply a multi-level, systems perspective on the intersecting forces driving the appeal of these products. 20,86 The goal of this critical scan was to describe current understanding of the multiple factors that contribute to the appeal of UPF, defined as the power of these products to induce consumers to purchase and consume them. We found that where UPF appeal is acknowledged, existing literature generally embraces the hypothesis that it is primarily a function of individual biological and psychological factors, or that it is driven solely by manufacturers who manipulate individuals' beliefs and attributes.…”

“…UPF consumption is negatively associated with age: children, adolescents and younger adults are more likely to consume these products compared to other age groups. 70,[81][82][83][84][85][86][87] However, among older adults, preference for sweet and salty tastes increases, thought to occur because of the partial loss of taste and smell with age. 88 Evidence around gender consumption patterns are mixed, with some studies showing higher UPF consumption among males 70,71,83,85,89,90 while others find no gender differences.…”

Junk food consumption among school-age adolescents in Kanakasundari rural municipality, Jumla

“…are junk foods. [1][2][3] Foods commonly considered junk foods include salted snack foods, candy, gum, sweet, sugary carbonated beverages and fried fast food. Depending on the components and preparation methods, many food items such as burgers, tacos and pizza can be considered either healthy or junk food.…”