CHAPTER I

PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale of the study

In recent years, there has been growing concern over the dietary habits of

adolescents, particularly in school environments where access to food is readily

available. Inabanga High School, like many educational institutions, offers a kiosk where

students can purchase snacks and meals throughout the day. However, the nutritional

quality of the food available in these kiosks varies widely, with some options being

healthier than others. This study aims to investigate the types of food sold in the

Inabanga High School kiosk, categorizing them as healthy or unhealthy, and exploring

the implications of these choices on the students' health and well-being.

Understanding the food environment within schools is essential for promoting the

health and well-being of students. Adolescence is a critical period of growth and

development, during which dietary habits are established and can have long-term

effects on health outcomes. Research has shown that poor dietary habits in

adolescence, such as excessive consumption of unhealthy foods high in sugar, salt,

and fat, are associated with an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and

other chronic health conditions later in life (Pulgarón, 2013). Therefore, identifying the

types of food available in school kiosks and their nutritional content is crucial for

developing interventions aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among students.

The school environment plays a significant role in shaping students' dietary

choices. With the increasing availability of processed and convenience foods, students
are often exposed to options that are high in calories and low in nutritional value. School

kiosks, in particular, are key sources of these foods, providing students with easy

access to snacks and meals throughout the day. However, the nutritional quality of the

food sold in these kiosks is often overlooked, with little attention paid to promoting

healthier options. By conducting a thorough investigation of the foods available in the

Inabanga High School kiosk, this study seeks to raise awareness of the nutritional

quality of these options and advocate for changes that support healthier eating

behaviors among students.

In addition to understanding the nutritional content of foods available in the

school kiosk, it is crucial to recognize the socio-economic factors that may influence

students' dietary choices. Research suggests that students from lower-income

backgrounds are disproportionately affected by limited access to nutritious foods and

may rely more heavily on affordable but less healthy options. Therefore, investigating

the affordability and accessibility of healthy food options in the Inabanga High School

kiosk is essential for promoting equity in students' access to nutritious meals. By

addressing disparities in food access and affordability, this study can contribute to the

development of inclusive strategies that ensure all students, regardless of socio-

economic status, have the opportunity to make healthier dietary choices.

Moreover, the promotion of healthy eating habits extends beyond the individual

level to encompass broader environmental and policy considerations within the school

community. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping students' health behaviors through

their food policies, nutrition education initiatives, and the availability of healthy food

options. Thus, by examining the existing policies and practices governing food provision
in the Inabanga High School kiosk, this study can identify opportunities for policy

interventions and structural changes that prioritize the health and well-being of students.

By advocating for comprehensive and evidence-based approaches to promoting healthy

eating within the school setting, this study seeks to create a supportive environment that

empowers students to make positive dietary choices and cultivates a culture of wellness

within the school community.

Furthermore, understanding the factors influencing food choices within the school

environment is essential for developing effective interventions. Research has shown

that adolescents' food choices are influenced by a variety of factors, including taste

preferences, peer influence, and the availability and accessibility of. By examining the

types of food sold in the Inabanga High School kiosk and students' purchasing patterns,

this study aims to identify potential barriers to selecting healthier options and explore

strategies for promoting their uptake. Additionally, by involving students, teachers, and

school administrators in the research process, this study seeks to foster a collaborative

approach to addressing the issue of unhealthy eating within the school community.

In conclusion, the study of investigating healthy and unhealthy food sold in the

Inabanga High School kiosk is of the most important promotion for the health and well-

being of students. By examining the types of food available, categorizing them based on

their nutritional content, and exploring the factors influencing students' food choices, this

study aims to inform the development of interventions aimed at creating a healthier food

environment within the school. Ultimately, by empowering students to make healthier

choices and advocating for changes at the institutional level, we can work towards
ensuring that all students have access to nutritious and affordable food options that

support their overall health and well-being.

Theories

This study is anchored on the following theories; Social Learning Theory by

Bandura 1986; and Lewin’s Field Theory in Social Science 1930.

The Social Learning Theory, proposed by Bandura, offers insights into how

individuals acquire behaviors through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. In the

context of secondary school students and their food choices, this theory suggests that

peer influence plays a significant role. The statement highlights that school breaks are

crucial social moments for students, where interactions with peers influence food

choices. Adolescents often prioritize social connections and acceptance among peers,

leading them to conform to group norms, including dietary behaviors. As described,

peer influence can lead to the consumption of unhealthy foods, especially in social

settings where such options are readily available. Social Learning Theory posits that

individuals learn behaviors by observing and imitating others, particularly those they

perceive as similar or influential, such as peers. Additionally, the operation of social

norms within peer groups further reinforces these behaviors. This theory helps explain

the similarities in diet and eating behaviors observed among young people, as they

seek acceptance and belonging within their social circles. Consequently, understanding

the social context and leveraging peer influence can be pivotal in designing effective

school food interventions aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among

adolescents.
 Lewin's Field Theory, proposed in 1930, posits that human behavior is influenced

by both the individual and the environment in which they operate. This theory builds on

the idea that environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping human behavior.

Lewin, often regarded as the founding father of social psychology, introduced the notion

that human behavior can be conceptualized as a function of both the person (P) and the

environment (E), represented by the equation B = f (P, E). This equation suggests that

behavior is the result of an interaction between personal characteristics and the

situation in which the individual finds themselves, encompassing both physical and

social elements. In the context of eating behavior, Lewin's theory provides insight into

why individuals may struggle to adhere to their intentions to eat healthily despite having

good intentions. It suggests that external factors in one's immediate environment, such

as the smell of fast food or the sight of friends consuming unhealthy snacks, can exert

powerful influences on actual eating behavior, overshadowing personal intentions.

Thus, Lewin's Field Theory offers a valuable framework for understanding the complex

interplay between personal factors and environmental influences in shaping human

behavior, particularly in the realm of dietary choices.

Legal basis

Related Literature and Related Studies

The related literature and studies on investigating healthy and unhealthy food sold in the

Inabanga High School kiosk shed light on the significant influence of school food
environments on students' dietary behaviors. These sources highlight the importance of

understanding the nutritional quality of foods available in school settings and the factors

that shape students' food choices. They emphasize the need for interventions aimed at

improving the availability of nutritious options and promoting healthier eating habits

among students. By synthesizing findings from previous research, the study aims to

contribute to efforts aimed at creating a supportive food environment within the school

kiosk, ultimately fostering better health outcomes for students.

From the study of …