Examining the relationship between fast-food and sitdown restaurant consumption frequency and dietary patterns among adults in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

@#Introduction: This study assessed the association between dietary patterns and the frequency of eating at fast-food or sit-down restaurants. Methods: A crosssectional study, with a sample of adults living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA), was conducted between January and March 2021. An online, self-administered survey was conducted using social media and WhatsApp. A total of 399 adults living in Riyadh were included; 40.4% were males, with a mean age of 35 and standard deviation (SD) of 12 years, and had no significant health problems. Results: Using principal component analysis to analyse 15 food groups based on the food items consumed, four dietary patterns were extracted: Western, unhealthy, plant-based, and healthy. After adjusting for potential covariates, a higher frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants was significantly associated with unhealthy dietary patterns [odds ratio (OR) = 4.85, 95.0% confidence interval (CI) = 1.80, 12.59]. In contrast, participants in the highest tercile of the frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants showed lower odds of adhering to a healthy dietary pattern (OR = 0.29, 95.0% CI = 0.11, 0.71). No significant association was found between participants in the highest tercile of the frequency of eating at sit-down restaurants and their dietary patterns. Conclusion: Frequently eating at fast-food restaurants was associated with increased odds of adherence to less healthy dietary patterns and negatively associated with adherence to a healthy pattern. No association was found between sit-down restaurants and any of the identified dietary patterns. The present findings can assist stakeholders and policymakers in developing strategic plans and policies for targeted interventions for this population.

Comparison of dietary habits, perception and consumption frequency of fast foods between youths working part-time at fast food restaurants and other food-related services / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare dietary habits, perception, and consumption frequency of fast foods between part-time working youths at fast food restaurants and those at other food-related services. METHODS: The study subjects were part-time working youths in 13 fast food restaurants (n = 118) and in 25 other places including bakeries, cafes, convenience stores, and other restaurants (n = 115) in Cheongju. Demographic characteristics, dietary habits, perception regarding fast foods, and consumption frequencies of food groups and fast foods were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Female youths working at fast food restaurants had unhealthier dietary habits, such as meal skipping and night snacking compared to those working at other places. Consumption frequencies of fruits in males and beans/bean products in females working at fast food restaurants were significantly lower than those working at other places. Perception score on fast foods was significantly lower in males working at fast food restaurants than in males working at other places. However, the consumption frequencies of hamburgers, pizzas, and a total of six fast foods among both males and females working at fast food restaurants were significantly higher than those working at other places after adjusting for confounding variables including age, status, type of residence, allowance, alcohol, smoking, working hours, and hourly pay. CONCLUSION: Part-time working youths at fast food restaurants had worse dietary habits, such as meal skipping and night snacking, and consumed fast foods more frequently than those working at other places. Interventions for part-time working youths at fast food restaurants may be needed in order to reduce fast food consumption and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables.

The Recognition and Requirement of Nutrition Labeling in Fast-Food Restaurants

This study was researched to provide the accurate nutrition information and the menu. We questionnaired an recognition and necessity of the nutrition labeling to 684 customers in fast-food restaurants. After data cleaning, we used spss package 14.0 and analyzed about the nutrition contents and place that display the nutrition labeling. First, we finded out lower recognition of nutrition labeling in restaurants than processed food. Second, many people hoped that calory and fat in various nutritions were displayed each 100 g or 100 mL. Third, the place displaying the nutrition information was the menu board and the counter to identify easily. Fourth, we analyzed the recognition and necessity of the nutrition labeling in fast-food restaurants by t-test and ANOVA. So, we knew that the recognition and necessity of the nutrition labeling was higher woman than man. And the more they earn much money and learned, the more the nutrition labeling are needed. But house-wife recognized the nutrition labeling lower than others.