Fast Food Consumption Behavior and Self-image among Female Adolescent Students in Addis Ababa: The Case of Selected Schools in Bole Sub City
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2025-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Adolescence constitutes a pivotal psychological, physical, emotional, and social transition toward adult life, characterized by heightened self-awareness, identity exploration, and increased sensitivity to social and environmental influences on self-perception and behavior. There is a rapid increase in media exposure, advertisements, and access to fast food. Therefore, it is important to understand and give attention to the consumption behavior and self-image of this age group due to its future influence on physical and emotional health and well-being. This study is intended to assess the fast food intake behavior and self-image of female adolescents and their relationship in Addis Ababa private schools.It is a cross-sectional study conducted in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Bole Sub-City, due to the high enrollment (5,922) of female students. Among them, two schools in the sub-city were randomly selected, and a sample of 252 female adolescents aged 13–19 in grades 9–12 participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire, which had three sections: background characteristics, fast food consumption, and self-image assessment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was used to identify the association, with odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and a significance level of p < 0.05.About 9.13% of the study participants consumed fast food more than three times per week, while 8.47% consumed soda more than three times per week. Additionally, 39.68% and 27.2% of the participants consumed fast food and regular soda more than once per week with only 1.3 per week average intake, respectively. In terms of BMI status, 13.6% were underweight, 3.1% overweight, 0.8% obese, and 27.1% had normal weight, indicating a risk of a double burden of malnutrition. A statistically significant relationship was found between BMI and self-image (p < 0.0003). The adjusted odds ratio (OR = 53) shows a higher likelihood of frequent and diverse fast food consumption among low-income participants .There is a high intake of fast food and soda/sweetened beverages among female adolescent students in Addis Ababa. A significant association was found between fast food intake and BMI, which may, in the long run, affect their self-esteem. Although this finding was not initially expected, it highlights the need for preventive health, self-image, and nutrition intervention actions.
Keyterms:Self-imageFastfoodconsumption,Bodyimag
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Self-imageFastfoodconsumption, Bodyimag