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Nutritional Status of the Street Food Consumers of a Private University in Bangladesh

Ayesha Akhter
Department of Public Health Nutrition, Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Farzana Sultana Bari
Department of Public Health Nutrition, Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Mohammad Abdul Mannan
Department of Public Health Nutrition, Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of randomly selected 120 consumers of street foods of a private University at Dhaka. The data on socioeconomic information, nutritional status, street food preference, personal hygiene and occurrence of diseases was collected using a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by BMI. Statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS and Microsoft excel. As revealed in the study, 76.7% of the respondents were male, 58.3% belonged to middle income group and 76.7% respondent’s educational expenses were borne by their parents. Street foods were preferred by 24.2% consumers because of their good taste and quick service. The most preferred street foods were Shingara, Samucha and Puri. Street foods were stated as unhealthy by 56.7% consumers. Among them 16.7% had under nutrition, 23.3% had over nutrition and 60% had normal nutrition status. There is a significant association between nutritional status and hygienic practices (p value = 0.046). But 38.3% with normal nutritional status suffered from various diseases. There is no significant relationship between the street food consumption and nutritional status. More frequent street food consumption might have unhealthy effect on nutritional status. Therefore, further studies are required to evaluate the effect of frequent street food consumption on nutritional status.

Keywords: Street food, Nutritional status, Hygienic practice

Location: Private University campus at Dhaka, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-05-2013

End Date: 00-06-2014

Program Area: Food Safety and Security

Commodity: Nutrition

Objectives:

To determine the socioeconomic status of the street food consumers; foods available on the street and reasons of food preference; consumer's nutritional status and their association with age, income, occurrence of diseases and hygienic practices; and measures of control.

Methodology:

This cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2013 to June 2014. The location was within the Private University campus at Banani, Dhaka and 120 students of different departments of a selected Private University, who consumes street foods, was selected randomly as sample. Literature searching was carried out by using internet/website, PopLine and MedLine to review information relevant to this study. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Initially the questionnaire was field tested in another University having similar socioeconomic conditions, and then the questionnaires were revised and finalized according to the recommendations of the field test and used for the collection of data. The survey tool contained questions on socioeconomic information, nutritional status, and preference of taking street foods, personal hygiene and occurrence of diseases. The socioeconomic information included gender, religion, age, marital status, own personal computer, use of transport, education cost provider, monthly family income, and whether they live with or without family. The monthly income of the respondents was categorized into three economic groups: Low income (first quintile); Middle income (second to fourth quintile); and High income (fifth quintile). The information on food behavior, choice of street foods, preferences of taking street food, and favorite street food of the respondents were also collected. The nutritional status of the respondents was assessed using the standard procedures. The weight of the respondents was measured (to the nearest 0.1 kg) using standardized digital weight machine. The respondents were bare footed, with minimum clothing and empty bladder and stomach. Edema was checked before taking weight. The height of the respondents was measured (to the nearest 0.1 cm) using a locally made standardized height scale. Standardized techniques were followed like upright and straight, Frankfurt plane as horizontal and bare footed. Body mass index was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Based on World Health Organization (WHO) cut-offs, the respondents were divided into three nutritional categories based on body mass index (Kg/m²); Under nutrition: < 18.5 kg/m²; Normal nutrition: 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m²; and Overweight: 25.0 kg/m² and above. The information was collected on hand washing before and after taking street foods, mode of hand washing before and after taking street foods, source of drinking water, respondent’s experience of ever tasting contaminated or spoiled street foods. Information was also collected on the occurrence of diseases in last three months like suffering from any disease, name of the diseases, duration of sufferings, and types of treatment. Data collected from the respondents were compiled, tabulated and analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study. Data from the survey were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Scientist (SPSS) and Microsoft excel.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 28-31, December 2018

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In conclusion, it can be stated that street food consumption might have an effect on nutritional status, he findings of the present study could not identify a significant relationship between the street food consumption and nutritional status of the respondents. But hygiene practices might have influence on nutritional status. The results are not meant to be definitive in nature, but are exploratory, due to limitations in sample size.

Knowledge Management: Journal