Fast Food Consumption Pattern among Adolescents of Tabriz City, 2016 Download PDF

Background and 0bjective: The prevalence of fast food consumption in adolescents has increased worldwide. Consumption of these foods can cause obesity and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of fast food consumption in adolescents of Tabriz, Iran. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016-2017 among 1086 students, aged 13-17 years, selected by cluster sampling from five districts of Tabriz. Data were collected by demographic information and semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires. Content and face validity of the general questionnaire was proved by the faculty members of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS V.13 software. Results: Results showed that fast food consumption pattern in adolescents was low consumption (Less than once a week), with the value of 69.3%. Fast food consumption in male students was almost twice than that in female students. There is a significant difference between fast food consumption patterns and maternal education level, mother's job, weight, BMI and students’ awareness. Conclusion: Results showed that fast food consumption pattern among adolescents of Tabriz is mainly low and this result can be due to the role of mass media in providing information for people about consequences of fast foods and fake productions, efforts of the Ministry of Education to promote the culture of healthy nutrition and the culture of Azerbaijani people.