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Factors associated with consuming unhealthy food in school children: A population‐based study from Hong Kong
Research indicates that poor dietary choices are a leading cause of overweight issues among adolescents. This study by Huang et al. (2024) outlines the factors contributing to unhealthy eating patterns in this vulnerable age group. This cross-sectional observational study involved school-aged children and adolescents, with approval from schools and parents. A self-administered survey was conducted across 30 primary and 25 secondary schools, asking participants about their consumption frequency and types of unhealthy foods. The authors collected a total of 4,884 responses, of which, among primary school students (grade 4, average age: 10.06), those who (1) were actively gaining weight, (2) went to bed after 11 p.m, (3) spent over 2 hours gaming, and (4) reported depressive symptoms were more likely to eat unhealthy foods. For secondary school students (grade 3, average age: 15.28), factors associated with increased unhealthy eating included (1) being male, (2) belonging to average-to-high socioeconomic status, (3) spending more than 2 hours gaming, and (4) experiencing psychological distress. Various lifestyle and health factors are significantly linked to unhealthy eating habits among school-aged children and adolescents in Hong Kong, mirroring trends seen in other countries. Alongside introducing policies targeting these dietary issues, further research should explore interventions aimed at these factors to effectively address the concerns of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in Hong Kong. [NPID: Adolescents, overweight, students, unhealthy diet, unhealthy food]
Year: 2024
