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O consumo de fast food entre estudantes do ensino superior tem aumentado de forma relevante, impulsionado principalmente pela conveniência, rápida disponibilidade e sabor apelativo. No entanto, este padrão alimentar representa um fator preocupante para a saúde pública, uma vez que esses alimentos, geralmente ricos em gorduras saturadas e sódio e pobres em nutrientes essenciais, estão associados ao desenvolvimento de doenças crónicas como obesidade, diabetes e doenças cardiovasculares.
Estudantes do ensino superior constituem um grupo particularmente vulnerável devido às mudanças inerentes ao seu estilo de vida, como a saída de casa e a adaptação a novas rotinas, o que frequentemente leva a escolhas alimentares inadequadas e ao ganho de peso precoce, o que representa um fator de risco para obesidade na vida adulta. Assim, torna-se fundamental compreender os fatores que influenciam o consumo de fast food nesse público, de modo a subsidiar estratégias eficazes de intervenção, como campanhas de sensibilização, programas educacionais e melhorias nas ofertas alimentares das instituições de ensino.
Neste contexto, com este estudo, pretende-se identificar e analisar os principais fatores que influenciam a escolha de fast food entre uma amostra de estudantes do ensino superior em Portugal. Inclui a caracterização da relação entre o consumo de fast food com os fatores sociais e o estado nutricional, compreender a perceção dos estudantes sobre quais são as escolhas alimentares mais saudáveis e sustentáveis, identificar as possíveis lacunas inerentes ao desconhecimento sobre o que são escolhas alimentares saudáveis e sustentáveis na sociedade atual e ainda averiguar se existe um padrão de consumo associado às características sociodemográficas dos estudantes.
Após uma revisão de literatura sobre a temática em análise, apresenta-se a componente empírica baseada numa metodologia quantitativa, com a recolha de dados através de um inquérito por questionário a uma amostra de 780 estudantes do ensino superior em Portugal com idade superior a 18 anos e metodologia qualitativa com a realização de uma sessão de focus group.
Os resultados demonstraram que a idade, a situação habitacional, o rendimento e o nível de atividade física influenciam, em diferentes graus, a frequência e o tipo de consumo de fast food. Verificou-se ainda que os estudantes que não utilizam as cantinas das instituições de ensino superior tendem a consumir fast food com maior frequência, embora a satisfação com a comida da cantina não tenha apresentado impacto significativo. Os dados qualitativos revelaram que a conveniência, o preço e a falta de tempo são os principais motivos que justificam a preferência por fast food, apesar da consciência dos impactos negativos para a saúde. O estudo conclui que o comportamento alimentar dos estudantes é multifatorial, refletindo não apenas escolhas individuais, mas também condicionantes contextuais, económicas e sociais. A investigação propõe recomendações para a promoção de hábitos alimentares mais saudáveis no contexto académico, nomeadamente através da melhoria da oferta institucional e de estratégias de educação alimentar mais eficazes.
Por fim, importa referir que esta investigação contribui de forma relevante para a promoção dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) estabelecidos pela Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas, nomeadamente erradicar a fome (ODS 2), saúde de qualidade (ODS 3), educação de qualidade (ODS 4) e produção e consumo sustentáveis (ODS 12). Ao explorar os fatores mais influentes nas opções de fast food numa amostra de estudantes do ensino superior em Portugal, promove-se uma reflexão crítica e informada sobre hábitos alimentares e inerente consciência do que é percecionado como sendo saudável (e até mesmo sustentável). Além disso, pretende-se que esta dissertação incentive a transformação de atitudes em prol de uma cidadania mais informada e consciente das suas escolhas alimentares.
Fast food consumption among higher education students has increased significantly, driven mainly by convenience, quick availability, and appealing taste. However, this eating pattern is a cause for concern for public health, as these foods, which are generally high in saturated fat and sodium and low in essential nutrients, are associated with the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Higher education students are a particularly vulnerable group due to the changes inherent in their lifestyle, such as leaving home and adapting to new routines, which often leads to poor food choices and early weight gain, representing a risk factor for obesity in adulthood. Therefore, it is essential to understand the factors that influence fast food consumption in this population in order to support effective intervention strategies, such as awareness campaigns, educational programs, and improvements in the food offerings of educational institutions. In this context, this study aims to identify and analyze the main factors that influence the choice of fast food among a sample of higher education students in Portugal. It includes characterizing the relationship between fast food consumption and social factors and nutritional status, understanding students' perceptions of what are the healthiest and most sustainable food choices, identifying possible gaps inherent in the lack of knowledge about what are healthy and sustainable food choices in today's society, and investigating whether there is a consumption pattern associated with the sociodemographic characteristics of students. After reviewing the literature on the subject under analysis, we present the empirical component based on a quantitative methodology, with data collected through a questionnaire survey of a sample of 780 higher education students in Portugal aged over 18, and a qualitative methodology involving a focus group session. The results showed that age, housing situation, income, and level of physical activity influence, to varying degrees, the frequency and type of fast food consumption. It was also found that students who do not use the canteens of higher education institutions tend to consume fast food more frequently, although satisfaction with canteen food did not have a significant impact. Qualitative data revealed that convenience, price, and lack of time are the main reasons for the preference for fast food, despite awareness of the negative health impacts. The study concludes that students' eating behavior is multifactorial, reflecting not only individual choices but also contextual, economic, and social constraints. The research proposes recommendations for promoting healthier eating habits in the academic context, namely through improving institutional offerings and more effective food education strategies. Finally, it is important to note that this research contributes significantly to the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations 2030 Agenda, namely Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). By exploring the most influential factors in fast food choices among a sample of higher education students in Portugal, it promotes critical and informed reflection on eating habits and inherent awareness of what is perceived as healthy (and even sustainable). In addition, this dissertation aims to encourage a change in attitudes towards a more informed and conscious citizenship in terms of food choices.
Fast food consumption among higher education students has increased significantly, driven mainly by convenience, quick availability, and appealing taste. However, this eating pattern is a cause for concern for public health, as these foods, which are generally high in saturated fat and sodium and low in essential nutrients, are associated with the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Higher education students are a particularly vulnerable group due to the changes inherent in their lifestyle, such as leaving home and adapting to new routines, which often leads to poor food choices and early weight gain, representing a risk factor for obesity in adulthood. Therefore, it is essential to understand the factors that influence fast food consumption in this population in order to support effective intervention strategies, such as awareness campaigns, educational programs, and improvements in the food offerings of educational institutions. In this context, this study aims to identify and analyze the main factors that influence the choice of fast food among a sample of higher education students in Portugal. It includes characterizing the relationship between fast food consumption and social factors and nutritional status, understanding students' perceptions of what are the healthiest and most sustainable food choices, identifying possible gaps inherent in the lack of knowledge about what are healthy and sustainable food choices in today's society, and investigating whether there is a consumption pattern associated with the sociodemographic characteristics of students. After reviewing the literature on the subject under analysis, we present the empirical component based on a quantitative methodology, with data collected through a questionnaire survey of a sample of 780 higher education students in Portugal aged over 18, and a qualitative methodology involving a focus group session. The results showed that age, housing situation, income, and level of physical activity influence, to varying degrees, the frequency and type of fast food consumption. It was also found that students who do not use the canteens of higher education institutions tend to consume fast food more frequently, although satisfaction with canteen food did not have a significant impact. Qualitative data revealed that convenience, price, and lack of time are the main reasons for the preference for fast food, despite awareness of the negative health impacts. The study concludes that students' eating behavior is multifactorial, reflecting not only individual choices but also contextual, economic, and social constraints. The research proposes recommendations for promoting healthier eating habits in the academic context, namely through improving institutional offerings and more effective food education strategies. Finally, it is important to note that this research contributes significantly to the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations 2030 Agenda, namely Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). By exploring the most influential factors in fast food choices among a sample of higher education students in Portugal, it promotes critical and informed reflection on eating habits and inherent awareness of what is perceived as healthy (and even sustainable). In addition, this dissertation aims to encourage a change in attitudes towards a more informed and conscious citizenship in terms of food choices.
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Palavras-chave
Fast food Estudante Alimentação saudável Hábitos alimentares Saúde Estilo de Vida