Food cravings associated with psychosocial factors in the sampled young adults from Laguna during quarantine in the time of Covid-19

Date

8-2021

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Normahitta P. Gordoncillo, Rnd, PhD

Abstract

According to Mattioli et al. (2020), the quarantine has instigated negative emotions in wide populations. Food-related coping mechanisms were reported to increase. As young adults are predisposed to nutritional inadequacies, it is imperative to analyze the changes in their food cravings and eating behavior. The present study aims to assess the food cravings associated with psychosocial factors in young adults (ages 19-24) from Laguna during quarantine. The participants were recruited via convenience sampling, using Facebook and Google Forms to administer the survey distribution. Purposively sampled individuals from the cities of Nagcarlan, Victoria, Santa Rosa, San Pedro, San Pablo, and Calamba were also interviewed online via Zoom to support the acquired quantitative data. Results show that food cravings were more frequently observed in individuals with higher BMI. The most craved items were French fries, pizza, and burgers, all classified as fast-food fats. They also usually craved at midnight and acquired food through deliveries. The psychosocial factors most associated with their cravings and consumption were stress, food unavailability, and food access difficulties. Moreover, varying perceptions of health were observed. Some consider a diet can be healthy but nutritionally inadequate. Some also considered theirs as unhealthy and nutritionally deficient or excessive. With the findings, the sample needs mental and nutritional support to avoid metabolic complications, especially during a pandemic. Due to the study limitations, further research and questionnaire developments are recommended to assess the eating behavior of young adults in response to stress and food cravings.

Language

English

LC Subject

Food cravings, Eating behavior, Young adults, Stress

Location

UPLB College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Document Type

Thesis

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