Factors affecting eating behavior and impact of nutrition education on the eating behaviour of adolescents (17–19 years)
Authors: M. Ragavi , P. Muthu Meenakshi 
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the factors affecting eating behavior of adolescents aged 17–19 years, residing in a college hostel and to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education in improving their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP).

Design/methodology/approach

A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 200 adolescent female participants of age 17–19 years. The obesity and underweight status of the participants were assessed using body mass index (BMI). Diet history was obtained using a 24-h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. A standard pretested questionnaire was used to analyze the factors affecting the eating behavior of adolescents. A nutrition education program was conducted to improve the KAP of the adolescents. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the improvement in KAP after the education program. Descriptive statistics was used to examine the factors affecting eating behavior. Paired t-test was used to check the effectiveness of the nutrition education program.

Findings

The findings of the study indicated that 50.5% of the adolescents were underweight (20%), overweight (12%) and obese (18.5%). The mean nutritional adequacy of the adolescents was 68.1%. Social factor had the highest impact on the eating behavior of adolescents (70.8%), followed by the environmental factor (69.7%). Imparting nutrition education was significant in improving the KAP of adolescents with a p-value < 0.05. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the factors affecting the eating behavior of adolescents and establish corrective measures such as community education intervention programs and awareness programs on healthy eating habits to modify the eating behavior of adolescents.

Research limitations/implications

The dietary intake and the factors influencing eating behavior of the adolescents were assessed considering the transition in the intrapersonal, social and community food environment. The inadquate food intake affected the nutritional status of 50% of the adolescents.The taste, temptation, sight of the food, peer pressure, parental influence and unmindful eating practices majorly influenced the eating behavior of adolescents. Unhealthful eating behavior can increase the risk of chronic diseases during the adolescence and may extend in to adulthood. Hence it is necessary to bring a positive change in the eating behavior of the adolescents through a well planned comprehensive nutrition education program. The findings of the study proved that the knowledge, attitude and behavior of the adolescents could be significantly improved through a well planned nutrition eduation program. Further the study also provide insights to plan and implement community food policies targeted to improve the eating behavior and health status of the adolescents. One of the limitations of the study was, in addition to anthropometric measurements and diet history including biochemical parameters would be a better indicator of nutritional status. The cultural and religious influence on eating behavior would also be studied. In future a study on gender differences on the dietary intake and eating behavior of the adolescents can be conducted.

Practical implications

The study reflects the eating behavior of late adolescents and major factors affecting eating behavior of adolescents residing in college hostel. The findings will add on to the existing knowledge on the factors affecting eating behavior of adolescents. As eating behavior is correlated to the health status of the adolescents understanding the factors affecting eating behavior would help in modifying the eating behavior of late adolescents by implementing appropriate measures and help develop programs and policies that aid in improving the nutritional status. Since nutrition education is effective in improving the KAP of adolescents’ nutrition literacy is imperative in schools and colleges to improve the eating behavior and health status of the adolescents.

Social implications

The research provides a scientific basis for understanding the factors affecting eating behavior of adolescents and the interaction between personal, social and environmental factors. It also acts as basis to be aware of one’s own eating behavior, modify and model healthy eating behavior. Inappropriate eating behavior in late adolescents can continue into adulthood affecting nutritional status and leading to an increase in the prevalence of diseases and disorders in adulthood. This can affect human potential and capital and thereby economic development. Hence, it is imperative to improve the nutritional status of the adolescents by creating awareness and implementing corrective measures to modify unhealthy eating behavior. The research also supports devising policy and programs regarding the nutritional behavior of adolescents.

Originality/value

Eating behavior is a complex interplay of various factors at multiple levels. The adolescents’ eating behavior correlates directly with their nutritional status. In total, 50.5% of adolescents were malnourished. The nutrient intake of the majority of the adolescents was less than the recommended intake. The mean nutrient adequacy was 68.1%. The quality of the diet was largely affected as they did not include 5–7 food groups in a day. The social factors such as peer group influence and parental influence had the predominant impact on eating behavior followed by environmental factors. The nutrition education program helped improve the nutrition KAP. Hence, it is necessary to create awareness and make policies and programs that can improve the eating behavior of adolescents.