A Descriptive Survey Study to Assess Knowledge Score Regarding, Effects of Junk Foods on Physical Health Among Adolescents at Selected Schools of District Yamunanagar, Haryana

Abstract

Background: This study assesses the level of knowledge regarding the effects of junk food on physical health among adolescents in the Jagadhri area. The easy affordability and availability of junk food have increased consumption among young individuals. The prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents has consistently risen almost everywhere. Specifically, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity among adolescents has surged from 4% in 1975 to just over 18% in 2016. School children continue to learn about health through awareness campaigns. Various factors influence the consumption of junk food. A quantitative approach and descriptive research design were adopted for this study. A total of 120 adolescents were selected using a non-probability sampling technique. The study results revealed that 76 (63.3%) participants had average knowledge, 40 (33.3%) had good knowledge, and 4 (3.3%) had poor knowledge. Data analysis was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics.