Community Medicine Abstracts - College of Medicine and Health ...

Project No. 237 (2006)Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Government High School Students inGrade 10 Regarding Fast Food in Al-Ain, UAEStudent Authors: Aysha Abdulla Mohd Khalfan Al-Kaabi, Anfal Mohd Obaid Al-Mazrooei, Huda Saif Obaid Al-Dhaheri, Aysha Ahmed Mohamed Al-Dhaheri, BaheyyaMahfoodh Mohd Al-ShehhiFaculty Supervisors: Dr. F. Al Maskari, Dr. P. Barss, Prof. N. NagelkerkeAbstract:Objectives: The UAE has undergone rapid transformation to a high standard of livingfor citizens. This has been accompanied by the introduction of many unhealthy fastand junk foods, contributing to alarming increases in cardiovascular diseases, obesity,and diabetes. We decided to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of grade 10students at government schools about fast-food consumption, as a basis for improvingyoung people’s knowledge and practices to prevent nutrition-related health conditions.Methods: Using multistage stratified random sampling and a self-administeredquestionnaire, 390 Arab students were interviewed at government schools inNovember-December, 2006. Questions were designed to assess knowledge aboutdiseases associated with common unhealthy foods, as well as consumption practices.Anthropometric measurements were taken.Results: The response rate was 99%. The sample included 395 students, 67% of thethem were local and 33% from other nationalities. 48% of the students reportedeating from brand name American restaurants once a week, 22% eat three times perweek, 20% eat more than three times per week and only 10% of the students nevereat from brand name restaurants. Good taste and breaking the routine were the maintwo reasons for fast food consumption. 79% of the students have poor knowledgeabout fast food. Female students have better level of knowledge than male students(p=0.000). 65% of the students were against banning fast food advertisement by thegovernment and 56% support the idea of selling fast food in schools.Conclusion: Government, health professionals, media and schools should take part inplanning educational interventions to improve students’ nutritional knowledge anddietary practices. In addition, government should assess other interventions, such aslegislation, to modify food consumption patterns.