A STUDY ON CHANGES IN FAST FOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS DURING THE LOCKDOWN PERIOD IN AMARAVATHY, FORT KOCHI

A Study on Changes in Fast Food Consumption among Adolescents during the Lockdown Period in Amaravathy, Fort Kochi

Proshitha P. Shetty

Student Bachelor of Education in Natural Science,

Patriarch Ignatius Zakka-I Training College, Malecruz

Email: proshitha97@gmail.com

Abstract

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and lockdown measures, that were implemented in many countries in order to control the virus transmission, had negatively influenced the lifestyle of millions of people worldwide. In this study, I aimed to investigate the changes occurred in fast food consumption among the adolescents and young adults during the lockdown period. A survey was carried out in 20 subjects in the age group 12 -21 in the sub locality Amaravathy, Fort Kochi, by employing a questionnaire with help of Google Forms. The changes in fast food consumption was examined by analyzing the data collected from the respondents. The study revealed that 50% subjects has increased their fast food consumption during lockdown period, while 30% of them decreased their fast food consumption. In about 20% of the respondents, lockdown had no impact on their consumption of fast food. 77% of them tried preparing fast food at home due to the continuous closure of fast food hotels. The study also shows that most of them are aware of the health effects related to fast food consumption.

Keywords: fast food, lockdown, adolescents, health effects

Introduction

Fast food is convenient food obtained in self-service and take-away eateries with minimal waiting and are usually characterized as energy dense, low in micronutrients and fibers, high in simple sugars and salt, generally large in portion size than conventional home-cooked or restaurant foods and highly palatable (Ashakiran, 2012). 

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe acute respiratory syndrome, was first reported in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic due to its rapid spread out throughout the world (Perira, 2013). In order to combat the pandemic, many governments enforced preventive measures self-isolation and nation-wide lockdown (Jennifer, 2013). People were forced to stay at home and practice online working and/or online learning and were allowed to leave their homes only for prespecified occasions such as medical purposes, purchasing food and emergencies (Printice, 2013). Such sudden changes in people’s life can have or had a negative impact on their mental health and their lifestyle behaviors, such as alcohol consumption, and dietary habits (Chiubber, 2010). Moreover, shifts in the daily routine and abstention from work, which can be associated with stress and boredom could lead to a great energy intake and/or over-eating (Jennifer, 2013).

This study aims to investigate the changes in the specific dietary habits (snacking, fast-foods, ordered food) during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Amaravathy, Fort Kochi of Ernakulam district in Kerala.

Methodology

For the study, I have chosen survey method for collecting relevant data and information. The study was conducted in the sub locality Amaravathy, Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district of Kerala. From a population of 2561 people, 20 subjects between the ages 12 and 19 were selected as samples. The duration of data collocation was two weeks, from July 14th to July 30th, 2022. The survey was conducted by preparing a questionnaire with help of Google Forms. The link of the Google Forms was shared between the children of age group 12-18 and also young adults in that locality. The respondents were asked to fill the online form and submit their responses. The responses were collected and then carefully analyzed.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

The data collected reveals that 50% subjects has increased their fast food consumption during the lockdown period, while 30% of them decreased their fast food consumption (Figure-1). In about 20% of the respondents, lockdown had no impact on their consumption of fast food (Figure-1). 77% of them tried preparing fast food at home during the lockdown.

Majority of the subjects enjoy having fast food. 50% consume fast food 1-2 times, 35% consume 3-4 times and only 10% consume fast food 5-6 times on a weekly basis. 60% of the subjects consume instantly prepared food at home. 80% of the respondents indicates that they don’t have any serious health issues caused by the heavy consumption of fast food; neither it affected their quarantine days as well. However, most of them are aware of the health effects which can be caused by the excessive consumption of fast food.

Conclusion

During the period of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the lifestyle were observed for a significant percentage of the population of interest. Fast food culture is becoming an emerging trend among the younger generations. The non-availability of fast food due to the continuous closure of the eateries during lockdown made a trend setting to try cooking at home with added preservatives and food colors. Many started experimenting a wide variety of restaurant-style recipes with added flavors. Most of them are aware of the health hazards of consuming fast food, but the appetizing taste of fast food holds them back. However, provisions and campaigns regarding nutritional information could be useful in order to combat with this pandemic.

References

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6. Printice AM and Jebb SA (2003). Fast foods, energy density and obesity: a possible mechanistic link. Obesity Reviews 4 187-94.