Consumption of packaged food and associated factors among adults aged 18-30 years: a cross-sectional study in Kerala

PurposeLiterature on packaged food consumption and associated factors in Kerala is limited. This study aims to find out consumption pattern of packaged food and the factors associated with it among young adults in Kerala.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a cross-sectional survey among 384 young adults aged 18-30 years selected using multistage cluster sampling. Information on packaged food consumption and sociodemographic factors was collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to find out the factors associated with packaged food consumption.FindingsAmong the participants, 85.7% (95% CI = 81.9%-88.9%) reported consuming packaged food at least once a week, and 45% (95% CI = 40.4%-50.3%) reported consuming packaged food more than two times a week. Individuals who were employed [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.06-2.76], who consume packaged food without a fixed routine (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.18-4.28), those without previous attempts to reduce packaged food consumption (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.72-6.91) and those who preferred packaged food for their taste and flavor (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.09-2.74) had greater odds of consuming packaged food more than two times a week compared to their counterparts.Originality/valuePackaged food is frequently consumed by more than 40% of young adults in Kerala. Efforts focused on individuals (such as building awareness and taxing packaged foods) are warranted to control packaged food consumption among young adults.