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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

1-14-2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the fast-food consumption behavior among physically active college students in a university in Beijing and provide a scientific basis for future nutritional education and intervention strategies targeting this population. A simple random sampling method was used to select 850 undergraduate students from a sports-focused university in Beijing. Data on fast-food consumption were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The survey assessed the frequency of fast-food consumption, reasons for food choices, and students’ perceptions of nutritional value. A total of 807 valid questionnaires were collected, yielding a response rate of 95.8%. The reported consumption of Western and Chinese fast food was 34.6% and 30.6%, respectively. The primary reasons for consuming Western fast food were good taste (77.1%), advertising (6.5%), attractive packaging (5.4%), peer influence (5.4%), and hygiene (5.0%). In contrast, the main reasons for choosing Chinese fast food were good taste (74.5%), health/nutritional value (25.9%), hygiene (15.4%), peer influence (8.9%), and advertising (7.3%). Additionally, 72.8% of students believed that Western fast food is high in calories, while 46.0% considered Chinese fast food to have a well-balanced nutritional composition. The findings indicate that fast-food consumption is prevalent among physically active college students in Beijing. Despite recognizing the high caloric content of Western fast food, many students lack sufficient nutritional knowledge. There is a need for targeted nutritional education and intervention strategies to enhance awareness and promote healthier eating habits in this population.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/ijpah.5.1.143.boisestate

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