1

CHAPTER – I

INTRODUCTION

“Junk the junk food of your mind”

Junk foods refers to fast foods which are easy to make and easy to

consume. They are zero in nutritional value. They have only fats lying in

it, causing ill effects on the health of the consumer. The taste is most

attractive feature in junk foods.

Michael Jacobs, 2003 ( 21)

Junk food is a slang word for foods with limited nutritional value.

Every person has their own list of foods that they call junk foods. We

could include foods that are high in salt, sugar, fat or foods, candy, most

sweet desserts, fried fast food are some of the major junk foods.

Doris, 2008 (15)

Any food that has poor nutrition value is considered unhealthy and

may be called a junk food. A food that is high in fat, sodium, and/or

sugar is known as junk food.

Anuradha Sathayanarayan, 2009 (3)

 2

Junk food is that has little or low nutritional value. The factors

contributing to label of junk food include high levels of refined sugar,

white flour, transfat and saturated fat, salt, and addictives such as

preservatives and colouring agents. Others include lack of proteins,

vitamins, fibre and other nutrients for a healthy diet.

Karen Weber, 2004 (17)

Junk food problems:

Junk foods are more than just something to eat. They also

represent money, profits, past emotional associations, childhood,

indulgences, and high power advertising.

The junk food problem is not simply one of nutrition, but is related

to the economic structure of the country and to the psychological and

economical makeup of millions of Americans.

If we want to wean our self, our friends, and out clients away form

health-destroying junk foods, then we must also understand the true

nature of junk food addition, people must learn how junk food is

promoted, and why we allow ourselves to become willing addicts to food

that supplies no nutrition of fulfills no need in the human diet. It is

important of learn about the economical and psychological aspects of

junk foods.
 3

More than half of all, foods eaten by the typical American are junk

foods. A junk foods in this case means a food that is exceptionally high

in sugar, fat or salt and supplies little or no nutrition. In short a junk

food consists largely of calories and little else.

Still, it is hard to believe that one out of every two bites eaten is a

mouthful of junk food, yet, it’ true. Here’s what the typical American are

last year.

Junk Food Consumption of the Average American (Per Year)

FOOD ITEMS QUANTITY

1. Refined white sugar 100 pounds

2. Fats and oils 55 pounds

3. Soda and cola drinks 300 cans or bottles

4. Chewing gum 200 sticks

5. Ice cream 80 quarts

6. Candy 18 pounds

7. Potato Chips 5 pounds

8. Other snack chips 2 pounds

9. Doughnuts 63 dozen

10. Cookies and cakes 70 pounds

 4

WHO estimated that “on the average, every man, woman and child

in this country is eating about too pounds of junk food each year. This

does not even count other substandard and in appropriate foods, such

as alcohol, breads, jams, jellies and so on.

NEED FOR THE STUDY:

Healthy living and nutrition go hand in hand….. all of us want to

stay healthy and live a fuller and fit – like for a healthy lifestyle. It is

important to have a balanced diet and maintain and ideal weight which

makes you feel active and energetic all the time.

Across the planet, obesity in adolescence and children are reaching

are getting fatter, and not coincidentally many of the children are the

targets of saturation marketing by the junk food industry, which seeks to

displace healthful local eating habits with its own high calorie, added-fat,

high-added- sugar junk food.

According to the National Institute of Nutritional Survey

India (2007), 56 percentage of youngsters have the habit of taking junk

foods 27% of female in urban-India are employed. In this 53%

respondents skip meal and go for junk food.

 5

Among adolescence 30% girls and 24% of boys reported that they

were affected by disorder of weight control behaviour because of taking

junk food.

The investigators were interested, “to assess the knowledge among

adolescence about junk foods” to prevent obesity prevailing among

adolescence due to the over consumption of junk foods.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:

A Descriptive Study To Assess the knowledge and practice of junk

foods among adolescence [B.Sc Nursing I,II,III year]

Objectives:

1. To assess the Knowledge level of adolescence regarding junk

foods.

2. To identify the junk food habits among adolescence

3. To find out factors influencing the consumption of junk food.

OPERATIONAL DEFINTIOIN

DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

A descriptive study is undertaken in order to ascertain and be able

to describe the characteristic of the variable of interest in a situation,

Descriptive studies are undertaken to understand the characteristics of

organisation that follow certain common practice

 6

KNOWLEDGE

It refers to the understanding and awareness of the adolescent

regarding junk food.

PRACTICE

Level of usage of junk foods.

JUNK FOODS

Junk food means a food that is exceptionally high in sugar, fat or

salt and supplies, little or no nutrition.

ADOLESCENTS

A young girl between the age of 13-18 years.

ASSUMPTION

 Adolescents have less Knowledge regarding junk food.

 Descriptive study will assess the attitude of adolescent

regarding junk foods.

 Junk food causes addiction.

 Junk food occupied a part of adolescent life style.

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LIMITATIONS

 Sample size was limited to 150 adolescent girls

 Study was limited to 1 st year, IInd year and IIIrd year B.Sc

nursing students of Rani Meyyamai college of Nursing,

Chidambaram
 8

CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK

Conceptual frame work for the study was based on General system

Theory (1997) this model focused on assessment of knowledge and

practice on junk foods among adolescents.

General system’s Theory developed by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy’s

(1986) offers a perspective for looking at men and nature as interacting

whole with integrated sets of proportion and relationship. All living

systems are open to exchange of matter and information. The

investigators used the model boned on this theory.

INPUT:

A System imports products in a process known as input. In this

the input is 150 students from I, II,III years B.Sc., Nursing

THROUGHPUT:

A system transforms, creates and organizes the process known on

throughput, which results in a reorganization of the input. It includes

the responses of students, assessed with structured questionnaire.

OUTPUT:

A system exports product in a process known as output. Here the

output implies the score obtained from the students as whether they
 9

have achieved inadequate knowledge, moderately adequate knowledge

and adequate knowledge.

FEED BACK:

Feed Back emphasis to strengthen the input and throughput. If

there is any inadequacy in output. In this study feed back is needed for

the students who had inadequate knowledge.

CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK BASED ON GENERAL SYSTEM MODEL

(LUDWIG VON BERTALAFFY’S (1968) MODIFIED)

Input Throughput Output

Structured questionnaire

I, II, III Year Adequate

B.Sc., knowledge
nursing Response of Score Moderately
students the students obtained adequate
studying in from the knowledge
RMCON student Inadequate
knowledge

Feedback
 10

CHAPTER – II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Catherine McBride, Stephane Collins et al (2007) (8) Conducted

a study to determine whether parents influence there child’s nutrition

and weight related behaviour. Participants were 216 parents of children

from four selected child care centers in a south eastern University town.

The results showed that parents who consume fruits and vegetables

(p.=.000) had children that are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables

and parents who consume junk foods were more likely have children who

do the same (p=.000) The author suggested that healthy weight related

behaviour of children include eating lots of fruits and vegetables limiting

junk foods and TV time and eating together as a family more frequently.

Karen Weber Cullen, Tom Baranowski et al (2006) (17) stated

that not only the personal factors but also the social and environmental

factors influences the children’s FJV consumption .The authors

concerned with children eating too much junk food and not enough fruit

juice and vegetables, recognized the outside influence this children

received about food reported several methods to encourage children eat

FJV.
 11

Center for behaviour research in cancer Australia and center

for physical activity and nutrition research Deakin University

Australia (2007) Conducted a cross sectional survey to examine the

association between children’s regular TV viewing habits and junk food

related attitudes and preferences with the aim to examine children’s

regular TV viewing habits and their food related attitudes and behaviour.

The participants were 919 grade 5 or 6 students from schools in

Melbourne, Australia. The results showed that heavier TV use and more

frequency commercial TV viewing were independently associated with

more positive attitudes towards junk food. Heavier TV use was also

independently associated with higher reported junk food consumption.

The authors suggested that changing the food advertising environment

on children’s TV as a solution. Where nutritious foods are promoted and

junk foods are relativity unrepresented would help to normalize and

reinforce healthy eating.

Garemo M, Canner, R et al (2007) (14) conducted a study to

analyze dietary intake in healthy 4-year old children, on families from

three pediatric health care centres in different socio economic area in

Goleborog, completed 7 day food records and questionnaire about socio

economy and concluded that in 4 years old from well educated urban

families 18% was overweight / obese. Total energy intake was above
 12

present NNR but lower than 20 years age when overweight was care. Fat

energy intake was negatively associated with BMI and low n-3 fatty acid

intake was associated with higher body weight.

NJ Wiles, K North Stone (2007) (J5) Conducted a longitudinal

study to determine whether a junk food diet at age 4 ½ is associated with

behavioural participating in the avon longitudinal study of parent and

children were used too the study. The result showed that children eating

a diet high in junk food in early childhood were more likely to be in the

top 38% on the hyperactivity sup-scale at age7.

Sarah Fox MD & Amy Meinen et al (2005) (22) reviewed the

literature on competitive food initiatives in school and overweight in

children of evidence. To determine significant increase in the rates of

obesity in US adults and children the results showed that sugar,

sweetened beverages such as sodas contribute to weight gain and poor

nutrition among students. The average students consume 31 pounds of

sugar in these drinks annually. The evidence suggested that these

polices can be effective and also increase food sale revenue.

Juliet B Schor & Margarei Ford (2004) (16) conducted a survey

to assess the scope and scale of current marketing practice and the rise

of symbolic with the aim that advertising is effective in changing

 13

children’s food preference. Comprehensive review of the literature show

the food preferences and diets.

Chapman G. Mallean H. (2007) (9) conducted a qualitative study

to examine the meanings of food within adolescent female culture by

loading at ways in which young women classify and use food, the study

was proceeded with 93 young women ages 11-18 years, Semi structured

individual interviews or small group discussion are conducted to assess

the data. The author concluded that consumption of junk food,

associated with factors like weight gain, pleasure, friends, independence

and guilt, while consumption of healthy food was associated with weight

loss parents and being at home.

Watt R.G. Sheiham A (2004) (J7) conducted a study to assess the

dietary pattern of a sample of 479 young people aged 13-14 years living

in an inner-city location in London. The results revealed that although a

good level of basic nutritional knowledge was displayed by most of the

sample have their attitudes towards food and heath were mixed and their

involvement in domestic food choice was very limited.

SA French, M. story et al (2001) (J2) conducted a survey to

examine demographic behavioural and dietary correlates of frequency

fast food restaurant use in a community based sample of 4746

 14

adolescent students. It was administered schools in a large metropolitan

area in Minnesta. The results showed that FFFRU was positively

associated with students employment, television viewing, home

availability of unhealthy food and perceived barriers to healthy eating

and was inversely associated with own and perceived maternal and peer

concerns about healthy eating.

Danne Nemark – Sztainer, Mary Story et al (1994) (11)

conducted a focus group discussions to assess the adolescents

perceptions about factors influencing their food choices and eating

behaviour. The study population included 141 adolescents 7 th and 10th

grade from 2 urban school in St.paul, minn, who participated in 21

focus. The result showed that factors perceived as influencing food

choices, included hunger and food cravings appeal of food, time

considerations of adolescents and parents, the author suggested that to

improve adolescent nutrition the increased availability and promotion of

appealing convenient foods within homes, schools and restaurants.

Gane Jack Wang, Nora d. Volkow (2002) (24) conducted a study

to assess differences in regional brain metabolism between obese and

lean subjects at rest and concluded that enhanced activity in Somato-

sensory regions involved with sensory processing of food in the obese

subjects could make them more sensitive to the rewarding properties of

 15

food related to palatability and could be one of the variables contributing

to their excess food consumption.

 16

CHAPTER – III

METHODOLOGY

Research methodology is a systematic way to solve the research

problem. It may be understood as scientific way of doing research.

The significance of research lies in its quality and not in quantity,

therefore is to pay attention to designing and adhering to the appropriate

methodology though out the study for improving the quality of research.

This chapter explains the research methodology adopted for the study

which includes research design, setting population, sampling technique,

sampling size, inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, data collection

procedure and date analysis.

RESEARCH DESIGN:

Polit (2004) stated that researchers over all plan for obtaining

answer to the research question or for testing the research hypothesis

was referred to as research design. A descriptive design was adopted for

this study.
 17

SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF RESEARCH DESIGN

Research Approach
(Quantitative)

Research Design
(Descriptive research design)

Setting of The Study

(First, second and third year lecture hall)

Target Population
(B.Sc Nsg students)

Accessible Population
(I, II, and III year B.Sc Nsg students of
RMCON)

Sampling Technique
(Convenient sampling technique)

Data Collection
(Structured self administered
questionnaire)

Data Analysis
(Descriptive statistics)

Findings and Conclusion

Report
 18

Setting:

This study was conducted in I, II, III Bsc Nsg lecture hall at

RMCON, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar.

Population:

Ist, 2nd, and 3rd year B.Sc Nsg students of RMCON were selected for

the study.

Sampling technique:

Convenient sampling technique was adopted to select the sample

for the study.

Sample size:

150 students of Ist, IInd and IIIrd year B.Sc Nsg who fulfilled the

inclusion criteria were selected for the study.

CRITERIA FOR SAMPLE SELECTION

Inclusion criteria:

 Students of Ist, IInd and IIIrd year B.Sc Nsg studying at RMCON.

 Students who are willing to participate in this study.

Exclusion criteria:

 Students of Ist, IInd and IIIrd year B.Sc Nsg students who were on

leave/absent on the day of data collection.

 19

 Students those who are having some food allergies or dietary

restrictions.

DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE:

Permission was obtained from the class co-ordinators of I st, IInd and

IIIrd year B.Sc Nsg RMCON, Annamalai University. The convenient

sampling technique was used for data collection procedure. Privacy &

confidentiality were maintained for the participants. Data collection was

done with is 1 hour.

The investigators established a good rapport with the students.

The purpose of the study was explained to ensure co-operation of the

students. Data collection was done using structured interview

questionnaire.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT

Section I

This section consist of demographic data with 11 items which

include, name, age sex, domiciliary, Religion, educational status of

parents, their occupation, family monthly income, food habits pocket

money, money spend for buying junk food.

 20

Section II

This section consist of structured interview to assess the

knowledge regarding junk food

- It include junk food preferences

- Individual opinion whether junk food is harmful or not.

Section III

This section consist of assessment of practice among adolescents.

- likes and dislikes

- how often they take junk food

- period of taking junk food

- why they prefer it

Section IV

This section is for the Assessment of health status

- How they feel in their body

- Height and weight

- General appearance

Section V

This section is to find factors influencing junk food consumption.

- Occasion during which they prefer junk food

SCORING
 21

Each answers were given score from 0, according to the preference

Maximum score is 15.

CHAPTER – IV

ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

This chapter deals with the statistical analysis and interpretation

of the collected data. The data collected from the adolescents were

analysed using various inferential statistical methods. The data were

presented in table and illustrated as diagrams.

The obtained data were classified into sections and interpreted as

follows:

Section I

Frequency and percentage distribution of demographic variables

among adolescents.

Section II

Frequency and percentage distribution of level of knowledge on

junk foods energy value among adolescents.

Section III

Correlation of junk foods habits with health status.

Section IV

Frequency and percentage of factors influencing the consumption

of junk foods.
 22

Table– I

Distribution of subjects according to demographic variables among

adolescents

N = 150
S. No Demographic Variables Frequency Percentage
1. Age
a) 17 – 18 years 41 27
b) 19 – 20 years 94 63
c) Above 20 years 15 10
2. Sex
a) Female 150 100
3. Domiciliary
a) Urban 108 72
b) Rural 42 28
4. Religion
a) Hindu 69 46
b) Muslim 3 2
c) Christian 78 52
5. Educational status of parents
a) Illiterate 13 9
b) Literate 93 62
c) Graduate 44 29
6. Occupational parent
a) Employed 110 73
b) Unemployed 18 12
c) Cooli 22 15
7. Monthly income of family
< 1000 7 5
1000 – 2000 34 22
2000 – 3000 42 28
>3000 67 45
8. Food habits
Vegetarian 16 11
Non-vegetarian 134 89
How much pocket money you are
9.
Getting per month
2000 – 3000 53 35
3000 – 4000 4 3
4000 – 5000 1 1
 23

>2000 92 61
How much money you are
10.
spending for buying junk food
<100 73 49
100 – 200 69 46
200 – 500 3 2
>500 5 3

Table 1 shows that out of 150 adolescents 41 (27%) of them

belonged to 17-18 years of age and 94 (63%) of them belonged to 19 – 20

years of are and 15 (10%) of them belonged to above 20 years. Majority of

adolescents belongs to urban 108 (72%) and 42 (28%) belongs to rural.

Majority of adolescents were Hindu 69 (46%) and Christians 78 (52%)

and Muslims 3 (2%). Most of the parents are literate 93(62%) and

graduate are 44 (29%) and non literate 13(9%). Majority of the parents

are employed 110 (73%) unemployed were 18(22%) and coolie 22(15%)

parents with monthly salary less than Rs 1000 7(5%), with salary within

1000 – 2000 34(22%) and within 2000 – 3000 42(28%) and those above

Rs 3000 67(45%). Most of the adolescents were non vegetarian 134 (89%)

and the others vegetarian 16(11%). Adolescent getting pocket money

within 2000 – 3000 53(35%), within 3000 – 4000 is 4(3%) and within

4000 – 5000 is 1(1%) and less than Rs 2000 is 92(61%) considering the

amount spent by adolescents for buying junk food monthly, those less

than Rs 100 is 73(49%). Those within Rs 100 – 200 is 69(46%) and

within Rs 200 – 500 is 3(2%) an above Rs 500 is 5(3%).

 24

Table– II

Distribution of level of knowledge on junk foods energy among

samples

S. No Level of Knowledge Frequency Percentage

1. Inadequate knowledge (0 – 5) 134 89.33

2. Moderately adequate (5 – 10) 16 10.67

3. Adequate (11 – 15) 0 0

Total 150 100

Table:2 Shows that 134 (89.33%) adolescents had inadequate

knowledge and 16 (10.67%) adolescent had moderately adequate

knowledge. The knowledge score of adolescents was assessed by using

self administered questionnaire.

 25

Table - III

Distribution of level of practice on junk foods among adolescents

S. No Questions Frequency Percentage

1. Do you like junk food?

a) I like very much 75 50

b) I just like 60 40

c) I don’t like 15 10

2. How often you are taking junk foods?

a) Every day 25 16.67

b) Rarely 42 28

d) Never 83 55.33

3. Since how long you are taking junk food?

a) From childhood 25 16.67

b) From school time 85 56.67

c) After joining college 40 26.66

4. Why do you prefer junk foods?

a) Taste 122 81.33

b) Attractive 13 8.67

c) Affordable 1 .67

d) Easily available 14 9.33

 26

Table - 3 shows that out of 150 nursing students 75 (50%) of the

samples like junk food very much, 60 (40%) of them belonged to I just

like and 15 (10%) of them belonged to I don’t like junk food.

25 (16.67%) of them have junk food Everyday, 42 (28%) of them

belonged to Rarely junk food consuming group and 83 (55.33%) of them

never consume junk food.

25 (16.67%) of them have junk food from childhood, 85 (56.67%) of

them have junk food from school time and 40 (26.66%) of them started

having junk food after joining college.

122 (81.33%) of them prefer junk food due to taste, 13 (8.67%) of

them because they are attractive, 1 (.67%) of them as they are affordable

and 14 (9.33%) prefer junk food because they are easily available.
 27

Table - IV

Distribution of samples according to Factors Influencing the

consumption of junk food

N = 150
S. No Factors Frequency Percentage

1. Sitting alone 10 6.67

2. With parents 16 10.67

3. With friends 91 60.66

4. Every evening 5 3.33

5. Shopping 11 7.33

6. Studying time 1 .67

7. Watching T.V 16 10.67

Total 150 100

Table- IV shows that out of 150 adolescents 10 (6.67%) of them

consuming junk foods when they are sitting alone, 16 (10.67%) of them

consuming junk foods when they are with parents, 91 (60.66%) of them

consuming junk foods when they are with friends, 5 (3.33%) of them

consuming junk foods every evening, 11 (7.33%) of them consuming junk

foods while going to shopping, 1 (.67%) of them consuming junk foods

during studying time and 16 (10.67%) of them consuming junk foods

while watching T.V.

 28

CHAPTER – V

DISCUSSION

This chapter deals about the discussion of the study with

appropriate literature review, statistical analysis and the findings of the

study based on the objectives. The aim of present study is assess the

knowledge and practice on junk foods among adolescents at RMCON,

AU.

A total of 150 students studying in RMCON. were selected for

study using convenient sampling technique. Informed consent were

obtained from each students and assessed the knowledge and practice

by using self administered questionnaire.

The first step of the study was to assess the demographic variables

of the students. In Table – I shows the distribution of demographic

variables show that the samples belonged to different age group,

domiciliary, Religion, educational status of parents, Occupation of

parents, monthly income of family food habits and how much pocket

money they spending for buying junk foods.

 29

The first objective of the study was to assess the knowledge level of

adolescents about junk foods.

Table 2 shows that 134 (89.33%) students had inadequate

knowledge 16 (10.67%) of the students had moderately adequate

knowledge 0 (0%) of the students had adequate knowledge regarding

junk foods. The results are showed in diagramatic representation.

The second objectives of the study was to identity junk food habits

among adolescents.

Table 3 Shows that 75 (50%) samples like very much 60 (40%) of

them just like and 15(10%) of them don’t like majority of the adolescents

never take junk foods 83 (55.33%) and 42 (28%) of the adolescents take

junk foods rarely and 25 (16.67%) of adolescents take junk foods every

day. Majority of the adolescents were taking junk foods from school time

85 (56.67%) and 40 (26.66%) of them taking junk food after joining

college and 25 (16.67%) of them taking junk foods from childhood.

Majority of the adolescents prefer junk foods for taste 122(81.33%) and

14 (9.33%) of them prefer junk foods for easily available and 13(8.67%) of

them prefer junk foods for attractiveness and 1(0.67%) them prefer junk

for affordable.
 30

The third objective of the study was to find out the factors

influencing the conception of junk food.

Table 4 shows that out of 150 adolescents 10 (6.67%) of them

consuming junk foods when they are sitting alone, 16 (10.67%) of them

consuming junk foods when they are with parents, 91 (60.66%) of them

consuming junk foods when they are with friends, 5 (3.33%) of them

consuming junk foods every evening, 11 (7.33%) of them consuming junk

foods while going to shopping, 1 (0.67%) of them consuming junk foods

during studying time and 16 (10.67%) of them consuming junk foods

while watching T.V.

 31

CHAPTER – VI

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Summary

The present study was conducted among the 1 st year, 2nd year and

3rd year B.Sc., Nursing students in RMCON. The purpose of the study

was to assess the level of knowledge and practice on junk foods among

adolescents. It was hoped that the study would helped the students to

improve the knowledge.

Self administered questionnaire was used to assess the level of

knowledge. The assessment was done among students of 1 st year, 2nd

year and 3rd year B.Sc., Nursing students in RMCON.

Major Findings of the Study

1. About 89% of the students have inadequate knowledge.

2. The junk foods are consumed more by the students 67

students.

3. The students do not have adequate knowledge about its

energy value.

Most of the students have inadequate knowledge 134 (89%). About

16 (11%) of students have moderately adequate knowledge.

 32

Suggestion for Further Study

1. A similar study can be conducted in various students such

as among schools and colleges.

2. A study can be conducted among students of final year

studying various programme like science, arts etc.

3. A similar study can be conducted with large samples.

4. A study can be conducted to identify the practice of junk

foods in different age groups.

5. A comparative study can be conducted among student of low

socio-economic and high socio-economic background.

Nursing Implication

Nursing administration

A nursing administrator have the responsibility to increase the

knowledge of nursing students based on research findings on assessing

the level of knowledge of junk foods among nursing students. The nurse

administrator can help the students by conducting project, audio visual

aids, often they need to organize for inservice education programme in

collaboration with teaching faculty in order to help the students to learn

the effective active management technique and doing skillfully in clinical

areas.
 33

Nursing Education

Students should know about the nutritive value of junk foods.

Apart from this all faculties should perform dual responsibilities both in

clinicals and home. The clinical staff members should provide an

opportunity to help the students from junk food consumption. They

should be taught about effects of junk foods. Adequate evidences about

hazards of junk food should be provided to overcome the consumption of

junk foods among the students.

Nursing Research

The study findings reveal that students have inadequate

level of knowledge about junk foods practice. The research

finding are to be disseminated and further it should be effectively utilized

among student to improve their knowledge about junk foods.

Conclusion

The level of knowledge about junk foods was assessed among 1 st

year, 2nd year and 3rd year B.Sc., Nursing students in RMCON. Data

were collected by self questionnaire method and was assembled and

analysed. The study shows that level of knowledge and practice about

junk foods among the 1st year, 2nd year and 3rd year B.Sc., Nursing

students were inadequate.

 34

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books

1. Andrew F Smith (2009). The Oxford Comparison to American food

and drink. 1st edition Published by Greenword Press, 1-17.

2. Andrew Smith (2006) Encyclopedia of junk food and fast food 1sat

edition Published by Greenword Press, 368.

3. Anuradha Satyanarayan (2009) Children and junk food, 1-35.

4. Ash, Janet and Robert Dulcie (1986) Happiness is junk free food.

23-27.

5. Ballantine R (1978) Diet and Nutrition Himalayan National Institute

Pennsylvance, 86-103.

6. Banneerjee PN (1931) Chronic Diseaes, Causes and Cure, 192-206.

7. Barbaro Storper (2008). Jancy’s Junk Food’s Fresh Adventure.

280-289.

8. Catherine McBride, Stephen Collins (2007) parents influencing

their child’s nutrition and weight related behavior 206 – 208.

9. Champman G Maclean H (1993). Junk Food and Healthy Food

meaning of food in adolescent womens culture, 108-113.

10. Charles Abbott (2009) Get “Junk Food out of US schools PTA diet

group”, 23-54.
 35

11. Donne Nemark – Sztainer, Mary Story National Cookery Book

(Cooking in America) Applewood Books, 119, 190-193.

12. Emity Kane N.D. (1991) Anti Aging let food by the medicine. 12-38.

13. Fredericks C (1976) Psycho nutrition grosset and Dunlap. 119-123.

14. Garemo M Canner, R. Arvidsson (2007). The impact of social

values on food related attitude, Blackwell Publishing, 266-272.

15. Grant, Doris (1984) Food combining for health, 99-106.

16. Juliet. B. Schor, Margaret Ford (2006) From tastes great to cool,

children’s, food marketing and the rise of the symbolic, 209-217.

17. Karen-Weber Cullen, Tom Baranowstu (2004) Social environmental

influence on children diet. 22-28.

18. Knighton Kate (2008) Illustrated by Larkum Adam “Why shouldn’t

eat junk food U.S. borne publishing Ltd, 112-123.

19. Lockie, A. and Marshall J (1997) The natural diet. 106-111.

20. McCance and Widdowson (1978) The Composition of foods.

232-249.

21. Micheal Jacobs. (2005) A book on the complete junk food. 53-60.

22. Sarah Fox MD and Amy Meinen (2005) The fasting diet: A practical

five-day programme for increased energy, greater stamina and a

clearer mind. 62-85.

 36

23. Varyhan JG and PA Judid (2006) The Oxford books of health foods.

Oxford University Press, 222.

24. Wang, Gene-Jack (2001) Brain dopamine and obesity, 354.

Journals:

1. Betty Ruth Carruth and Jean D Skinner (2001) Mother’s sources of

information about feeding their children ages 2 months to 54

months. Journal of Nursing Education, 143-147.

2. French SA, M. Story, D. Neumark – Sztainer (2001). Fast food

restaurant use among adolescents, association with nutrition

intake food choices and behavioural and psychological variables,

International Journal of Obesity, 1823-1833.

3. Gower S and Bryant-Waugh R (2004) Management of child and

adolescent eating disorders. The current evidence base and future

direction. Journal of Child psychology and Psychiatry. 45, 63-83.

4. Mehler PS (2003) Bulimia nervosa the New England. Journal of

Medicine, 881.

5. Northstone K and NJ Wiles (2007) Junk food diet and childhood

behavioural problems. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Advance Online Publication. 33-39.

6. Rome ES and Ammerman S (2003) Medical complications of eating

disorders an update. Journal of Adolescent Health, 418-426.

 37

7. Watt RG, Sheiham A (1996) Dietary pattern and changes in inner

city adolescents. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 451-

461.
 38

INFORMED CONSENT

I am giving my consent to participate in the research study that

focuses to assess the knowledge and practice on junk foods among

adolescents at Rani Meyyammai College of Nursing, Annamalai

University.

I have been informed that my participation is entirely voluntary

and that even after the study begins, I can refuse to participate at any

points of time during the study. I have been fully informed about the

nature of the study, the researchers responsibilities and the likely

benefits that would be used.

Date : Signature of Student

 39

PART I

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

1. Name

2. Age
a. 17 – 18 years b. 19 – 20 years c. Above 20 years

3. Domiciliary
a. Urban b. Rural

4. Religion
a. Hindu b. Muslim c. Christian

5. Educational Status of Parents

a. Non literate b. Literate c. Graduate

6. Occupation of parents
a. Employed b. Unemployed c. Collie

7. Monthly income of family

a. <1000 b. 1000 – 2000 c. 2000–3000 d. >3000

8. Food habits
a. Vegetarian b. Non-vegetarian

9. How much pocket money you are getting per month

a. Rs.2000-3000 b. Rs.3000 – 4000 c. Rs.4000 – 5000

d. >5000

10. How much money you spend for buying junk foods.
a. Rs.<100 b.Rs.100 – 200 c. Rs. 200 – 500 d. Rs.>500
 40

PART – II

KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT

Sl.No. Name Kilocalories

1 Lays – 1 Packet 200

2 Cheetos – 1 Packet 98

3 Kurkure – 1 Packet 200

4 Cup noodles – 1 Packet 490

5 Pizza – 1 Packet 263

6 Hamburger – 1 Packet 254

7 Bytes – 1 Packet 90

8 Potato Chips – 1 Packet 155

9 Sandwich – 1 Packet 1512

10 Milkshakes – 1 Packet 162

11 Puffs – 1 Packet 468

12 Samossa – 1 Packet 320

13 Pastry – 1 Packet 73

14 Bingo – 1 Packet 85

2. Do you think junk foods have any harmful effects?

a. Yes b. No.
 41

PART III

ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICE

1. Do you like junk foods?

a) I like very much b) I just like c) I don’t like

2. How often you are taking junk foods?

a) Every day b) Few days in a week c) Never

3. Since how long you are taking junk foods?

a) From child hood b) from school time c) After joining college

4. Why do you prefer junk foods?

a) Tasty and attractive b) affordable c) Easily available

5. How do you feel after taking junk foods?

a) Energic b) Stomach Fullness c) Repeated hunger

d) Satisfaction e) Nothing

PART IV

FACTOR INFLUENCING CONSUMPTION OF JUNK FOODS

1. Which occasion you prefer taking junk foods?

a) Sitting alone b) With parents c) With friends

d) Every evening e) Shopping f) Studying time

g) Watching television