Neophobic Tendencies and Dietary Behavior in A Cohort of Female College Students from Southern India

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship of female adolescents’ neophobic tendencies with their general dietary patterns/behaviors. The study was performed at a girl's college in Secunderabad in Southern India. A survey was administered to 1,446 girls, aged 15–19 years to collect information on food neophobia and dietary practices. The results show that the nonvegetarian group was the least neophobic group out of the three diet groups, while the vegetarian group was the most neophobic. Overall there was no difference in neophobic tendencies between the two age groups (15–17 and 18–19 years).Participants who indicated that they consumed high‐fat/junk foods regularly were less neophobic. Lower food neophobia scores was a significant indicator of greater consumption of meals outside the home or take‐out meals. These results could help shape successful interventions against obesogenic behavior in adolescents.Practical ApplicationsThis study is particularly interesting because the neophobic tendencies of people living in the Indian subcontinent have been relatively undocumented. The findings from this study demonstrate that the vegetarians and the ovo‐vegetarians were more neophobic than the nonvegetarians. The nonvegetarian group had less neophobic tendencies and was more open to trying new/novel foods and cuisines than the vegetarian and ovo‐vegetarian groups. The study of food neophobia is of particular importance because food neophobia can impact food preferences. Understanding the factors influencing food preferences is essential for the implementation and promotion of positive changes in the food habits of any society, especially with the prevalence of obesity, which is becoming a growing concern in both developing and developed countries. Nutritional intake during adolescence is important for growth and the development of lifelong eating behaviors, and may have long‐term health implications. The findings from this study suggest that if programs to improve adolescent nutrition are to be effective, they need to address a broad range of factors including environmental factors.