Prevalence of Fried Food Consumption in Ramadan (Arabian) Month and Factors Associated With Health Status Among University Students in Bangladesh

Abstract

Fast foods are defined as those foods made and served in a short period of time and are consumed outside of the house. In other words, it may be characterized as foods that have been cooked with reduced nutritional value. 1 Fast food negatively affects diet quality, body weight, and overall health. 2,3 Fast food consump- tion continues to grow in Western nations and is particularly prevalent among youngsters. This harmful behavior is increasing in underdeveloped countries. 4 When students join university, they have increased autonomy over their lifestyles, particularly their eating choices and practices, mainly if they are away from their families. The food intake patterns and nutritional concerns associated with university students are a significant source of worry. In recent years, global emphasis has been focused on university students' nutritional understanding and food consump- tion trends. 4 Fast food is consumed on a daily basis by 30%–50% of youngsters and college students. 5,6 Evidence found that 77% of overweight and obese university students have consumed fast food and cake on a regular or frequent basis. 7 Approximately 22% of the Bangladeshi university students had fast food for 4 days each week, while 21.3% reported having fast food for every day of the week. 4 More frequent consumption of fried foods is strongly linked to an increased risk of chronic disease develop- ment (i.e., four or more times per week). 8 There is compelling evidence that eating fried foods increases adults' chance of developing chronic illnesses. However, a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of fried foods on the health of university students in Bangladesh is limited. The objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of fried food consumption during Ramadan month among university students in Bangladesh. The study also examined the association of fried food consumption and several socioeconomic factors with gastritis, cardiovascular (CVS) illnesses, and mental health issues.