Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Students Concerning Fast Food

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle changes and, consequently, changes in dietary habits have led people, especially young people, to consume more processed and fast food. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of fast-food consumption among medical sciences students in Rafsanjan, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using a researcher-designed self-reported questionnaire, which was distributed among 350 medical sciences students in Rafsanjan, Iran, selected by stratified random sampling from 2019 to 2020. The validity and reliability of this questionnaire were confirmed before commencement. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that university students had above-moderate knowledge (39.7±0.55) and positive attitudes (60.52±0.43) about fast food consumption. The mean number of times students consumed fast food in the past month was 12.41±0.46. There was a statistically significant and positive correlation between attitude and practice. Also, knowledge had a significant inverse correlation with attitude and practice. The level of women’s knowledge was significantly higher (P=0.001) than men’s knowledge, and the knowledge score of dental and medical students was significantly higher (P=0.04) than that of students from other schools. The men’s attitude score was significantly higher (P=0.04) than the women’s. Conclusion: Appropriate interventions should be implemented to improve students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning fast food consumption. Food labeling, teaching healthy cooking and preparation, time management, improving university meal programs, and opening affordable, healthy on-campus restaurants are recommended.