Consumption of packaged food and associated factors among adults aged 18–30 years: a cross-sectional study in Kerala
ISSN: 0034-6659
Article publication date: 24 October 2023
Issue publication date: 2 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Literature on packaged food consumption and associated factors in Kerala is limited. This study aims to find out consumption pattern of packaged food and the factors associated with it among young adults in Kerala.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey among 384 young adults aged 18–30 years selected using multistage cluster sampling. Information on packaged food consumption and sociodemographic factors was collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to find out the factors associated with packaged food consumption.
Findings
Among the participants, 85.7% (95% CI = 81.9%–88.9%) reported consuming packaged food at least once a week, and 45% (95% CI = 40.4%–50.3%) reported consuming packaged food more than two times a week. Individuals who were employed [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.06–2.76], who consume packaged food without a fixed routine (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.18–4.28), those without previous attempts to reduce packaged food consumption (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.72–6.91) and those who preferred packaged food for their taste and flavor (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.09–2.74) had greater odds of consuming packaged food more than two times a week compared to their counterparts.
Originality/value
Packaged food is frequently consumed by more than 40% of young adults in Kerala. Efforts focused on individuals (such as building awareness and taxing packaged foods) are warranted to control packaged food consumption among young adults.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Financial support and sponsorship: The authors did not receive any financial support to undertake this study.
Author’s contribution: TH developed the study proposal, conducted the data collection, curation and developed the initial draft. SH and KRT supervised the study and provided critical intellectual inputs. KRT revised the manuscript. PBK curated the data and undertook formal analysis. All the authors contributed to developing the final draft of the manuscript.
Citation
Haseena, T., Hense, S., Kodali, P.B. and Thankappan, K.R. (2024), "Consumption of packaged food and associated factors among adults aged 18–30 years: a cross-sectional study in Kerala", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 54 No. 1, pp. 151-163. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-05-2023-0102
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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