Use of Food Delivery Applications and Their Perceived Effects Among Students at a Postgraduate Public Health...

Food delivery applications (FDAs) have transformed dietary behavior by providing convenience and diverse food options, particularly among students. As future public health professionals, the food habits of public health students hold implications for population health promotion and policymaking. This study aimed to assess the usage patterns and perceived effects of FDAs among students of the All-India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health and to examine their association with nutritional status (BMI). It also explored reasons underlying high app usage, expenditure, and BMI.

An institution-based, mixed-method, explanatory sequential study was conducted from March to July 2025 among 106 students selected by census sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements, followed by qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 10) with purposively selected participants who exhibited high app usage, expenditure, or BMI.

Among 106 students, 84% reported using FDAs, with monthly orders (50.6%) and a median expenditure of ₹2000 (IQR 2327). Most users were overweight or obese (77%), including 35.8% overweight, 34.9% obese I, and 6.6% obese II. Students with higher app usage frequency (≥10 orders/3 months) had a higher obesity prevalence (46%) than those with lower frequency (31%). The most commonly perceived health problems were weight gain (23.6%), indigestion (23.6%), and irregular meal timing (22.4%). While 92% valued FDAs for saving time, 74% acknowledged their role in overeating, 81% linked them to sedentary habits, and 63% felt they encouraged solitary eating. Qualitative insights revealed that convenience, stress-related comfort eating (48%), and social isolation (60%) reinforced frequent use, forming a cycle connecting emotional coping, unhealthy dietary habits, and rising BMI.

Frequent use of FDA products among students is associated with unhealthy dietary choices, weight gain, and social isolation. Targeted health promotion strategies are warranted to foster mindful, balanced app use among future public health professionals.