DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2024.v12i06.013

Pages: 786-795

Background: Fast food and junk food consumption among adolescents is a growing public health concern due to its association with various health risks. This study aims to investigate the perception and factors influencing fast food and junk food consumption among high school students in Bogura Town. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, involving a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews. The study sample consisted of 384 high school students aged 11 to 19 years. Data were collected using a semi structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: The majority of participants were aged 14-16 years (58.07%), with a higher proportion of females (66.15%). Most participants resided in urban areas (95.31%) and came from nuclear families (87.24%). Nearly half of the participants were underweight (46.61%), while 45.57% had a healthy weight. Half of the participants consumed less than three major meals daily, and breakfast was the most skipped meal (41.15%). Fast food consumption at school was high (74.48%), with significant instant food consumption at home (78.13%). Factors influencing fast food consumption included taste (83.33%), accessibility (51.82%), and social media influence (61.46%). Awareness of balanced diets was low (27.34%), and most participants recognized the negative health impacts of fast food, such as obesity (94.53%) and heart disease (87.76%). Conclusion: The study highlights significant trends in fast food and junk food consumption among high school students, driven by taste, accessibility, and social influences. The findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional education and interventions to improve dietary habits and reduce health risks among adolescents.