Factors influencing fast food consumption among international students: A quantitative research study

Abstract

Background: International students face unique challenges when moving to a new country, e.g. adapting to different food cultures, dealing with financial instability, academic pressure, and homesickness.  International students come from different backgrounds, and for these, changing a lifestyle and moving to a new country comes with a change in dietary patterns and fast-food consumption. This consumption can impact their health potentially impacting on cognitive function, academic performance, and dietary patterns of students. This study aims to explore the factors which influence fast food consumption among International student. 

Methods: An online quantitative survey was conducted with Liverpool John Moores University international students 

Results: An online survey was completed by 35 people, and the results produced several important findings. In terms of the frequency of fast-food consumption among international students, 40% consume fast food once a week and 31% consume it 2-3 times a week. The most important reasons for consuming fast food are its taste (74%), convenience and ease of access (23%) and price (28%). Male students consume fast food 2-3 times a week and females consume it once a week. Furthermore, 46% of students bring their own lunch, 31%, buy it from the supermarket, and 14% eat fast food for lunch at the university. Regarding the nutritional knowledge regarding fast food, the proportion of little and zero knowledgeable students was 43%, and 26% respectively. In terms of cost influence on their consumption, 31% responded that they consider the cost and choose cheaper options. 

Conclusion: The study provided an overview of factors influencing fast food consumption patterns among international students at Liverpool John Moores University. The study also discovered several implications that need to be considered for future research e.g. the need for informational campaigns regarding fast food consumption, collaboration with campus food services and local vendors to offer culture-friendly and gender-sensitive healthy food options, awareness through social media and organising social activities that promote healthy eating.