The good taste of junk food

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 87 views

Introduction

The excessive consumption of junk food among students has become a significant health problem that requires serious attention. Junk food consumption has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. As a result, it is essential to understand the factors that motivate students to consume junk food. This study aims to analyze the determinants of student motivation in consuming junk food at the PGRI 17 Lohsari SMKS, Labuhan Batu Selatan.

Background

The consumption of junk food among students has become a widespread phenomenon, and it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to this behavior. Junk food is often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to various health problems. The excessive consumption of junk food can also have negative effects on students' academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being.

Research Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional observational research design, which involved collecting data from a sample of students at the PGRI 17 Lohsari SMKS, Labuhan Batu Selatan. The population studied included all students of class X and XI, totaling 233 students. The sample size was calculated using the Slovin formula, and the sample consisted of 70 students. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire, which was the primary data source for the respondents. The questionnaire was designed to collect data on various factors that may influence students' motivation to consume junk food.

Data Analysis

Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 21, which involved three stages of analysis: univariate analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis. Univariate analysis was used to describe the frequency distribution of the variables, while bivariate analysis was used to examine the relationship between the variables. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the factors that were significantly related to students' motivation to consume junk food.

Results

The results of the study showed that there were several factors that were significantly related to students' motivation to consume junk food. Some of these factors include:

Pocket money: Students who had sufficient pocket money were more likely to consume junk food (p-value = 0.034).
Physiological/rural needs: Students who had physiological or rural needs were more likely to consume junk food (p-value = 0.004).
The need to be accepted: Students who had a strong need to be accepted by their peers were more likely to consume junk food (p-value = 0.001).
The need for self-esteem: Students who had a strong need for self-esteem were more likely to consume junk food (p-value = 0.001).
The good taste of junk food: Students who enjoyed the taste of junk food were more likely to consume it (p-value = 0.001).
The effect of junk food advertisements: Students who were exposed to junk food advertisements were more likely to consume junk food (p-value = 0.001).
The availability of junk food: Students who had easy access to junk food were more likely to consume it (p-value = 0.001).

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that students' motivation to consume junk food is influenced by various psychological and social factors. The availability of junk food, supported by sufficient pocket money, is a factor that allows students to buy the food. Social needs, such as the desire to be accepted by peers and satisfying self-esteem needs, also contribute to students' decisions to consume junk food. Junk food ads that often attract attention and promise additional pleasure are a strong trigger that cannot be ignored.

Conclusion

This study confirms the importance of the role of the social environment and the media in shaping student eating habits. The results of this study suggest that a comprehensive intervention that involves schools, family, and community is needed to change students' mindset and eating habits. A holistic approach is required to educate students about the importance of choosing healthy food and to raise awareness about the dangers of consuming junk food.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Nutritional education programs: Schools should implement nutritional education programs that educate students about the importance of choosing healthy food and the dangers of consuming junk food.
Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns should be conducted to raise awareness about the negative effects of consuming junk food and to promote healthy eating habits.
Comprehensive intervention: A comprehensive intervention that involves schools, family, and community is needed to change students' mindset and eating habits.
Holistic approach: A holistic approach is required to educate students about the importance of choosing healthy food and to raise awareness about the dangers of consuming junk food.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Data collection method: The data collection method used in this study was a questionnaire, which may not be the most effective method for collecting data on students' eating habits.
Measurement tools: The measurement tools used in this study may not be the most effective tools for measuring students' motivation to consume junk food.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Examine the relationship between junk food consumption and academic performance: Future research should examine the relationship between junk food consumption and academic performance to determine whether there is a causal link between the two.
Investigate the effectiveness of nutritional education programs: Future research should investigate the effectiveness of nutritional education programs in promoting healthy eating habits among students.
Develop a comprehensive intervention: Future research should develop a comprehensive intervention that involves schools, family, and community to change students' mindset and eating habits.

References

[1] World Health Organization. (2018). Obesity and overweight.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Childhood Obesity Facts.
[3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Overweight and Obesity Statistics.
[4] American Heart Association. (2020). Healthy Eating Plate.
[5] Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2020). EatRight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determinants of Student Motivation in Consuming Junk Food at PGRI 17 SMKS LOHSARI Labuhan Batu Selatan

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of student motivation in consuming junk food at the PGRI 17 Lohsari SMKS, Labuhan Batu Selatan.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it aims to understand the factors that motivate students to consume junk food, which is a widespread phenomenon among students. Understanding these factors can help in developing effective interventions to promote healthy eating habits among students.

Q: What are the determinants of student motivation in consuming junk food?

A: The determinants of student motivation in consuming junk food include:

Pocket money: Students who have sufficient pocket money are more likely to consume junk food.
Physiological/rural needs: Students who have physiological or rural needs are more likely to consume junk food.
The need to be accepted: Students who have a strong need to be accepted by their peers are more likely to consume junk food.
The need for self-esteem: Students who have a strong need for self-esteem are more likely to consume junk food.
The good taste of junk food: Students who enjoy the taste of junk food are more likely to consume it.
The effect of junk food advertisements: Students who are exposed to junk food advertisements are more likely to consume junk food.
The availability of junk food: Students who have easy access to junk food are more likely to consume it.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that schools, families, and communities need to work together to promote healthy eating habits among students. This can be achieved through nutritional education programs, awareness campaigns, and comprehensive interventions that involve schools, family, and community.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

Sample size: The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Data collection method: The data collection method used in this study was a questionnaire, which may not be the most effective method for collecting data on students' eating habits.
Measurement tools: The measurement tools used in this study may not be the most effective tools for measuring students' motivation to consume junk food.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to:

Examine the relationship between junk food consumption and academic performance: Future research should examine the relationship between junk food consumption and academic performance to determine whether there is a causal link between the two.
Investigate the effectiveness of nutritional education programs: Future research should investigate the effectiveness of nutritional education programs in promoting healthy eating habits among students.
Develop a comprehensive intervention: Future research should develop a comprehensive intervention that involves schools, family, and community to change students' mindset and eating habits.

Q: What are the recommendations for schools, families, and communities?

A: The recommendations for schools, families, and communities are:

Nutritional education programs: Schools should implement nutritional education programs that educate students about the importance of choosing healthy food and the dangers of consuming junk food.
Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns should be conducted to raise awareness about the negative effects of consuming junk food and to promote healthy eating habits.
Comprehensive intervention: A comprehensive intervention that involves schools, family, and community is needed to change students' mindset and eating habits.
Holistic approach: A holistic approach is required to educate students about the importance of choosing healthy food and to raise awareness about the dangers of consuming junk food.

Q: What are the benefits of this study?

A: The benefits of this study are that it provides a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of student motivation in consuming junk food, which can help in developing effective interventions to promote healthy eating habits among students.