Pattern of Fast Food and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Students of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To assess fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption patterns among medical students
along with associated factors and to determine the association between intake of these items and body mass
index.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Community Medicine, Lahore
Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan from May 2023 to September 2023.
Methods: A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 146 MBBS students. Using a structured
questionnaire, information was obtained on the background of participants, fast food and sugar-sweetened
beverages consumption, and their body mass index. Chi-square test was applied to find an association between
variables with p ≤ 0.05 taken as significant.
Results: The study included 60% females and 52% boarders. Mothers of 6% of students and fathers of 12% of
students were doctors. The mean body mass index was 22.43±3.51. Frequent consumption of fast food was
36% and of sugar-sweetened beverages was 12%. The most frequently consumed items were salty snacks (77%)
and regular soda (67%). A significant relationship was found between fast food consumption with residence,
the mother's profession, and awareness about nutritional information. Consumption of sugar-sweetened
beverages was significantly related to gender and knowledge about the harmful effects of these beverages. The
body mass index of students significantly increased with an increase in the use of sugar-sweetened beverages
and was inversely associated with fast food consumption.
Conclusion: Consumption of fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages was high among study participants.
Salty snacks and soda drinks were frequently consumed items. There is an immediate need for national policies
and strategies to create a healthy dietary environment among students.

How to cite this: Maqbool S, Daud S, Saad KAD, Ahmad MS, Idress B, Ejaz K. Pattern of Fast Food and Sugar Sweetened Beverages Consumption Among Students of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Life and Science. 2024; 5(2): 172-180. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.621