Knowledge, Attitudes, and Consumption Habits of Junk Food among School Students

Abstract

Background: The consumption of junk food has a detrimental impact on the health of school-age children. These children are in the midst of an intricate society experiencing significant transformations. Aim of the study: to assess the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and pattern of junk food consumption's complications \ hazards among school students. Subject and Method : The study was conducted at Omer Ebn Abd-Elaziz Primary School in Beni Suef City; this school is located in the Elramad section beside the Ophthalmology Hospital using the descriptive design on a sample of the fifth and sixth primary stage, numbering 254 students out of 700 students, which is the total number of school students. An interview questionnaire was used to measure Demographic data, students' knowledge, attitude about balance knowledge about balanced food junk food consumption habits, and consumption complications\ hazards of junk food. Results : more than two-thirds of school students (69%) have unsatisfactory knowledge regarding junk & balanced food, nearly three-quarters of school students (74.8%) had a positive attitude toward junk food, and more than one-third had the highest consumption complications \ hazards of junk food. Conclusion and Recommendation : The students studied had low knowledge and a positive attitude toward junk. Also, one-third had the highest consumption of junk food. Promoting student knowledge about junk food and decreasing consumption of junk food is recommended through counseling and educational programs.