Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on fast food consumption among university students in Malaysia

Fast food consumption is a significant public health concern among university students. Despite their awareness of the health risks, including obesity, they continue to exhibit unhealthy eating behaviors. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to fast-food consumption among university students in Malaysia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2024 among 397 local and international university students from both private and public universities. Data were collected using a survey assessing demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to fast-food consumption. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing Fisher's Exact Test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression to identify associations with a p-value set at <0.05.

A moderate to high prevalence of fast-food consumption was found, with 375 students (94.4%) regularly consuming fast food. Female students (236 of 397) demonstrated significantly better knowledge about the health impacts of fast food compared to male students (161 of 397, p < 0.001). Students living in the central region showed better knowledge (142 of 190, p < 0.001) toward healthy eating than in other regions. Participants aged between 23 and 27 years old had 1.44 times (adjusted OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.22-1.85) more likely to have high knowledge on fast food consumption compared to participants aged between 18 and 22 years old.

The study reveals a high prevalence of fast-food consumption among university students, with notable differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices based on gender, residence type, and academic year.