Date of Award

2025

Type

Thesis

Major

Health Science

Degree Type

Master of Public Health

Department

Kinesiology and Health Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Patricia Anafi

Second Advisor

Dr. Rebecca Toland

Third Advisor

Dr. Natasha Hourel

Abstract

High fast-food consumption is a common public health concern due to its link to a number of non-communicable diseases and mental health, but increased consumption of processed food, rapid urbanization, and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in dietary patterns. People are consuming more foods high in energy fats and free sugars. This mixed methods study was conducted at a college campus in Georgia, to assess knowledge and understanding of the students between the ages of 18 and 22 years about highly processed Fast Food, and its effects on health. Forty student participants were chosen through convenience sampling and were given a semi-structured questionnaire followed by a group discussion at a later date for a detailed discussion, and their response was recorded with prior verbal consent. The Health Belief Model was used to examine the participants’ attitude towards Processed and Fast Food and how it affects their health, this also helped in establishing barriers to positive health behavior and its positive outcomes.

The study found that approximately 2/3 of participants reported frequent fast-food consumption more than 2 times a week. All of them were aware of the ill effects of fast food on their health, and all of them reported obesity as the major health risk associated. However, none of them found an association with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health condition. Lack of time, craving, easy access, along with cost were reported as the major reasons for choosing fast food. Marketing and advertising on social media, print, and friends influenced the preference for eating out. Despite strong awareness of the negative health effects, students continue to consume fast food frequently, indicating a clear knowledge-behavior gap. These findings underscore the need for targeted campus interventions addressing affordability, accessibility, and media literacy, alongside education on the broader health impacts of diet.

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