International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN: 2319-7064 ResearchGate Impact Factor (2018): 0.28 | SJIF (2018): 7.426 Volume 8 Issue 9, September 2019 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY A K.A.P Study of Health Hazards Associated with Junk Food Monisha Nath 1 , G. K. Pandey 2 1 Department of Biochemistry & Nutrition, All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health, Kolkata, India 2 Former Director-Professor (H.A.G), Department of Epidemiology, All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health, Kolkata, India Abstract: Vast gaps exist in the data and information about knowledge, attitude and practices related to consumption of junk foods and associated health hazards.The present study is an attempt to bridge this gap in the knowledge. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude&practice related to intake of junk food among students as well as identify the associated factors for such practices. Methods :cross-sectional study was conducted for 6 months & Complete Enumeration methods was used for sampling. Results : Majority (95.5%) were aware of the commonly used food additives in preparation of junk foods.When questioned about the health hazards associated with the consumption of junk food, the responses were -Obesity (73.1%), CVD (47.7%) and Diabetes (44.7%). Despite the knowledge status of junk food and their health hazard among the students, practice of having junk food frequently (100%) was found high. Despite the knowledge of hazardous effects almost 80% students ate junk foods frequently(4-5days) in a week. Conclusion : The study showed an excellent status of knowledge about Junk food- composition, concepts, definition and health hazards associated with junk food among the study population. However the huge difference between knowledge and practice was a cause of alarm. Keywords: Junk food, Health hazards, knowledge, practices and associated factors 1. Introduction Globalization has influenced all the countries of the world. No country can claim to be an island unto itself. India too is not immune to such influences, which are visible not only in economic spheres but in all walks of cultural and social life. Food habits are no exception. New generation, which has been brought up in a world where geographical boundaries are no constraint, is ready to try new recipes from across the world. The trend is catching up with the older generation also. People of all ages are slowly shifting from home-made food to readymade foods. But all such foods are not safe. Various studies have shown detrimental effects of such so called “junk foods” on health of children and adolescents. But only few studies have studies associated factors. Vast gaps exist in the data and information about knowledge, attitude and practices related to consumption of these foods and associated health hazards. The present study is an attempt to bridge this gap in the knowledge.The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice related to intake of junk food among students as well as identifies the associated factor for such practices. 2. Literature Survey A literature review is a descriptive, analytic summary of the existing material relating to a particular topic or area of study. The literature review process involves a systematic examination of prior scholarly works.[1]  In A descriptive study it was found that prevalence of knowledge regarding health hazard of junk food was average (69.56%), some had good knowledge(24.35%), & few poor knowledge (6.08%) Association between expense of junk food and knowledge regarding health hazards of junk food was found significant. In that study males were found to have junk foods most frequently than the females. The common source for junk food was from their hostel.[2]  In another study it was illustrated habits of junk food consumption along with soft drinks simultaneously among the students. They found that out of 66.8% who consumed junk food, 50% of teenagers consumed junk food 3-5 times and1-3 bottles of aerated drinks per week . Teenagers with very good knowledge regarding ill effects of junk food was abysmally low (7.21%), 46.15% of teenagers had average knowledge and remaining 11.54% had poor knowledge. Concerning expenses, 46.15% received no pocket money whereas 15.87% received pocket money between Rs 201-300 per week and only 1.44% received more than Rs 300 per week as pocket money. [3]  In another study it was found that majority of the respondents (84%) had correct concept regarding junk food as a food that is high in calories, high in salt and low in nutritive value. Most of the respondents (94%) patronized junk foods. 41% of the respondents consumed sweet snacks such as cake every day and 37% of them consumed 2 to 3 times per week, 21% consumed 1 to 2 times per week. The result also indicated that 38% of respondents consumed yoghurt every day. 43% of them consumed 3-4 times per week and 8% of them reported to have consumed rarely. Further the study revealed that 53% of the respondents consumed soft drinks daily.Still 43% of the respondents reported consuming fried yams and potato chips. About 68% of the respondents agreed that heart diseases are caused by consumption of junk food. 72% of them agreed that there were harmful chemicals added in junk food.[4]  In a cross-sectional study among Medical College student of Chennai by random sampling in March 2014 which found appreciably good status of knowledge of junk foods among the students. 93.3% of medical students were aware of the definitionand 61.7 % were aware of the composition of the junk foods. 67 % of students were unaware of the fact that artificially added phosphate, in the form of a preservative, is routinely added in processed Paper ID: ART2020913 10.21275/ART2020913 185