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International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS)
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Original Research Articles Volume : 15, Issue : 5, May, 2026

PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706
Issues : 12 per year
Publisher : Excellent Publishers
Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com
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Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash
Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39
NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.2026.15(5) : 86-94
DOI : https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1505.012


Habitual Processed Food Consumption among Young Adults: Associations with Fatigue, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Lifestyle Factors

Department of Home Sciences, Lakshmibai College, New Delhi, India
*Corresponding author
Abstract:

Processed food consumption among young adults in India has increased with urbanisation and changing lifestyles, raising concerns about dietary quality and health outcomes. To assess consumption patterns of processed foods, awareness of health risks, influencing factors, and their association with self-reported health outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 young adults using a structured questionnaire incorporating a Food Frequency Questionnaire and Likert-scale items. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, percentages, and the chi-square test of association. 62.2% of respondents consumed processed foods at least weekly, with 36.9% reporting high-frequency intake. Consumption was significantly higher among students residing in PG and hostel settings compared to those living with family (p = 0.004). Although 59.6% were aware of adverse health effects, consumption remained prevalent. Significant associations were observed between higher consumption and fatigue (p < 0.001) and gastrointestinal symptoms (p < 0.001). The primary barrier to reducing intake was the limited availability of healthier food options (75.1%). Processed food consumption among young adults is frequent and associated with self-reported health symptoms. Despite moderate awareness, behavioural change is limited, highlighting the need for interventions targeting food availability alongside IEC strategies.


Keywords: Processed foods, young adults, food frequency, dietary awareness, India, IEC material, knowledge–behaviour gap


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How to cite this article:

Shiva Tripathi, Shumaila Naaz and Raushan Khan. 2026. Habitual Processed Food Consumption among Young Adults: Associations with Fatigue, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Lifestyle Factors Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 15(5): 86-94 doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1505.012
Copyright: This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license

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