Young Adults’ Use of Mobile Food Delivery Apps and the Potential Impacts on Diet During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background A poor diet contributes substantially to the development of noncommunicable diseases. In Singapore, it is recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to reduce the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases. However, the adherence rate among young adults is low. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to frequent users of mobile food delivery apps (MFDAs) adopting unhealthy eating habits, including high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, making it crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors driving their use patterns. Objective We aimed to examine the use patterns of MFDAs among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic; investigate the association between MFDA use and sociodemographic factors, dietary factors, and BMI; identify the underlying reasons for the observed use patterns of MFDAs among users; and compare the influences of MFDA use between frequent and infrequent users. Methods A sequential mixed methods design was used involving a web-based survey and in-depth interviews with a subset of respondents. Poisson regression and thematic analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results The quantitative results revealed that 41.7% (150/360) of participants reported using MFDAs frequently, defined as at least once a week. Although not substantial, the study found that frequent users were less likely to consume 2 servings of vegetables per day and more likely to drink sugar-sweetened beverages. Nineteen individuals who had participated in the quantitative component were selected for and completed the interviews. Qualitative analysis identified 4 primary themes: deliberations about other sources of meals versus meals purchased via MFDAs, convenience is vital, preference for unhealthy meals ordered from MFDAs most of the time, and cost is king. Before making any purchase, MFDA users consider all these themes at the same time, with cost being the most important influential factor. A conceptual framework based on these themes was presented. Lack of culinary skills and COVID-19 restrictions were also found to influence frequent use. Conclusions This study suggests that interventions should focus on promoting healthy dietary patterns in young adults who frequently use MFDAs. Teaching cooking skills, especially among young male individuals, and time management skills could be useful to reduce reliance on MFDAs. This study highlights the need for public health policies that make healthy food options more affordable and accessible. Given the unintended changes in behavior during the pandemic, such as reduced physical activity, sedentary behavior, and altered eating patterns, it is essential to consider behavior change in interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among young adults who frequently use MFDAs. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions during COVID-19 restrictions and assess the impact of the post–COVID-19 new normal on dietary patterns and physical activity levels.

Use of online food retail platforms throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated diet‐related chronic disease risk factors: A systematic review of emerging evidence

“…Negative impacts on health relating to use of meal delivery apps included associations with perceived obesity status, 41 weight gain, 38,49 emotional eating, 53,65 snacking behavior, 66 and a shift to unhealthier food orders 66,76 . One study showed that more frequent users of meal delivery apps had lower vegetable intake and higher sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption compared to less frequent users 87 . Another study that appeared to associate online food ordering with increased dietary diversity and higher dietary quality was considered to positively influence health 86 …”

“…The potential impacts on health were categorized as either positive or negative. Eight outcomes were associated with negative diet-related chronic disease risk factors, 38,41,49,53,64,66,76,87 and only one outcome was perceived as promoting health. 86 Negative impacts on health relating to use of meal delivery apps included associations with perceived obesity status, 41 weight gain, 38,49 emotional eating, 53,65 snacking behavior, 66 and a shift to unhealthier food orders.…”

“…66,76 One study showed that more frequent users of meal delivery apps had lower vegetable intake and higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption compared to less frequent users. 87 Another study that appeared to associate online food ordering with increased dietary diversity and higher dietary quality was considered to positively influence health. 86…”

The potential influence of the digital food retail environment on health: A systematic scoping review of the literature

“…Nine of these studies examined the characteristics of online food delivery platform users, with the remaining 13 studies examining the characteristics of the platforms themselves, such as the in-app promotional marketing, the healthiness of products offered, and their food availability across different geographical areas. 68,69,71,[73][74][75][76][77]80,82,83,86,87 The studies that examined the users of online food delivery platforms were based in the United Kingdom, 79,81 Australia, 70,84 Malaysia, 72 Saudi Arabia, 67 Singapore, 85 the United States, 40 and multiple high income countries. 78 Two studies examined the influence of online food delivery platforms on dietary habits during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, 67,85 one study examined the in-app advertising of online food delivery platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, 75 and one study examined what food items were promoted on online food delivery platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…68,69,71,[73][74][75][76][77]80,82,83,86,87 The studies that examined the users of online food delivery platforms were based in the United Kingdom, 79,81 Australia, 70,84 Malaysia, 72 Saudi Arabia, 67 Singapore, 85 the United States, 40 and multiple high income countries. 78 Two studies examined the influence of online food delivery platforms on dietary habits during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, 67,85 one study examined the in-app advertising of online food delivery platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, 75 and one study examined what food items were promoted on online food delivery platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. 77 Studies generally reported that the offerings available through online delivery platforms were mostly unhealthy and that frequent users of these platforms were highly educated or had high BMI.…”