Factors Related to Food Consumption Behavior in Late Adolescence: A Case Study of Students at an Educational Institution in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to 1) examine the food consumption behaviors of late adolescents, 2) explore factors related to their food consumption behaviors, and 3) analyze the relationships between personal data, predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors with their food consumption behaviors. The sample consisted of 251 students randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling process. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

            The results showed that most of the participants were female (66.1%), with an average age of 21 years. Approximately 26.3% were in their second year of study, lived alone 43.0%, had a monthly income of less than 3,000 THB 58.6%, reported no chronic illnesses 97.6%, and had a body mass index within the normal range 73.3%. Over half of the participants (56.1%) had high knowledge about healthy eating, and their attitudes towards eating behaviors were at a moderate level (43.4%). enabling factors, supporting factors, reinforcing factors related to eating habits were and the food consumption behavior rated as good (41.8%, 38.9%, and 45.8%, respectively). Personal characteristics such as living arrangements and BMI were significantly related to food consumption behaviors while age, gender, education level, and income showed no significant relationship. Knowledge about nutrition was negatively correlated with food consumption behaviors (r = -0.483, p < 0.001). Enabling factors, including family support, peer influence, and information received, showed a high positive correlation with food consumption behaviors (r = 0.885, p < 0.001). This study suggests that behavioral interventions aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among late adolescents should incorporate both psychological and behavioral aspects through various channels, such as social media, websites, or applications, and be supported by family, friends, and access to relevant information.