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Fast‐food consumption among college students and their attitudes toward healthier fast‐food options
Author(s) -
Haines Caitlyn,
O'Neil Carol E,
Zanovec Michael
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.940.4
Subject(s) - meal , food preference , consumption (sociology) , food choice , food consumption , environmental health , medicine , food science , agricultural economics , economics , biology , social science , pathology , sociology
Fast‐food meals often provide energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor food; however, attitudes and practices regarding fast‐food consumption among college students is understudied. To determine these, an online survey was developed, piloted tested (n=55), and sent to all students enrolled in the College of Agriculture (n=1,594). A total of 344 students (22% of total; 79% female, 88% white, 68% junior/senior), ages 18–30 y, completed the survey. Eighty‐four percent of students consumed fast‐food with 54% eating it at least once a week. Low cost and good taste were the main reasons students consumed fast‐food, while high cost and preference for other restaurants were main reasons not to consume it. Fast‐food was consumed most often at lunch (46.4%); hamburgers and fried chicken were the top choices; 54.7% of students spent $5–6 per meal. Seventy‐seven percent reported it likely that healthier meals would cost more and of those students, 88% would pay more for healthier meal options; however, few students would opt for choices such as low‐fat milk or salad. Data suggest that college students frequently consumed fast‐food, and would pay more for, but would not select, nutrient‐dense options. Funding: N/A