A study to assess the knowledge and practice of fast food consumption among Pre-University students in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka, India

Abstract Introduction Fast food is processed and prepared in an industrial fashion. Vitamins, minerals, fibre and amino acids are low or lacking in fast food but has high energy (calories).The present study was done to assess the knowledge and practice of fast food consumption among Pre-University College students. Materials and methods The study design adopted was cross-sectional. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire were used to collect the data. Time bound enumeration was used to recruit the participants and total 160 Pre-University students were included in the study. Result About 51(31.87%) of the participants had inadequate knowledge, 67(41.88%) of the participants had moderate knowledge and 42(26.25%) of the participants had adequate knowledge about the effect of fast food consumption. The majority of the respondents 116 (72.5%) reported that the main reason for their consumption is a delicious taste of fast food. Conclusion Though fast foods are tasty they have low nutritive value and high calories. Nutrition counselling regarding the significance of a balanced diet and harmful effects of fast foods may help to curb the fast food addiction.