Abstract

Adolescent Dietary Patterns and Their Influence on Cholesterol: A Study on Fast Food Consumption at Junior High Schools in Bandung, Indonesia

Author(s): Fahmi Fuadah, Lili Herawati

Background: Adolescent health is profoundly influenced by dietary habits, with recent concerns highlighting the role of fast food consumption in contributing to various health issues. Among these concerns, cholesterol levels have garnered significant attention due to their impact on long-term cardiovascular health. The growing prevalence of fast food in the diets of adolescents raises critical questions about its effects on cholesterol levels, particularly among schoolgirls in Indonesia, where dietary patterns are rapidly evolving. This study investigates the relationship between fast food consumption and cholesterol levels in adolescent girls at Junior High Schools in Bandung, Indonesia, aiming to provide insights into how dietary choices influence lipid profiles in this demographic. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design involving 150 female students from four Junior High Schools in Bandung, selected through random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire that assessed dietary habits, specifically focusing on the frequency and type of fast food consumption. To measure cholesterol levels, blood samples were collected from the participants, and serum cholesterol levels were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficients to evaluate the strength and direction of the relationship between fast food consumption and cholesterol levels. Additional analyses included controlling for potential confounding variables such as age, physical activity, and overall dietary patterns. Findings: The study findings revealed a significant positive correlation between the frequency of fast food consumption and serum cholesterol levels among the participants (p<0.05). Schoolgirls who reported higher frequency of fast food intake exhibited notably higher cholesterol levels compared to their peers with lower fast food consumption. Specifically, the data indicated that those consuming fast food more than three times a week had cholesterol levels that were, on average, 20% higher than those consuming it less frequently. These results suggest a strong association between frequent fast food consumption and elevated cholesterol levels, highlighting a potential risk factor for future cardio-vascular issues. Interpretation: The significant positive correlation observed between fast food consumption and cholesterol levels underscores the impact of dietary choices on adolescent health. The findings suggest that the high fat, sugar, and salt content typical of fast food may contribute to lipid imbalances, leading to elevated cholesterol levels. This association is particularly concerning given the potential long-term health implications, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases as these adolescent’s transition into adulthood. The study emphasizes the need for dietary interventions and public health strategies aimed at reducing fast food consumption among adolescents. Educational programs targeting healthy eating habits and the promotion of balanced diets could play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of elevated cholesterol and associated health problems in this age group. Evidence before this study: We searched PubMed for articles published in English from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024, using terms such as fast food consumption, cholesterol levels, adolescents, dietary patterns, and diet. Studies were considered relevant if they explored the relationship between fast food consumption and cholesterol levels, particularly among adolescent girls, and utilized reliable measurement methods such as serum cholesterol analysis. We also reviewed references from relevant studies. Research on adolescent dietary patterns and their impact on health, particularly cholesterol, has been conducted in various countries, but there is a gap in literature focusing on the effects of fastfood consumption on cholesterol specifically among adolescents in Indonesia. Previous studies have primarily highlighted the impact of fast food on general health and the prevalence of high cholesterol among adult populations, but specific data for adolescents and regional contexts such as Indonesia are limited. This study aims to fill this gap by providing detailed data on how fast food consumption affects cardiovascular health in this age group. Added value of this study: This study provides new insights using representative population-based data from 150 female students at Junior High Schools in Bandung to evaluate the relationship between fast food consumption and cholesterol levels. It expands the knowledge of the impact of fast food on adolescent health by demonstrating a significant association between high fast food consumption and elevated cholesterol levels. The study adds empirical data on the effects of fast food consumption on cholesterol in the Indonesian context and provides new information on how the frequency of fast food intake can impact cholesterol levels in adolescents. Specifically, it shows that consuming fast food more than three times a week is associated with an average 20% higher cholesterol level, highlighting a health risk that previous studies may have overlooked. Implications of all available evidence: The increasing incidence of high cholesterol associated with fast food consumption in adolescents indicates a need for more effective dietary interventions. The findings suggest that high exposure to fats, sugars, and salts commonly found in fast food may contribute to lipid imbalances and an increased risk of cardiovascular health issues in adulthood. The implications of this evidence highlight the necessity for public health strategies focused on reducing fast food consumption among adolescents and developing educational programs that promote healthy eating habits. Without effective interventions, the health risks associated with fast food consumption may increase as younger generations age, potentially leading to a higher burden of cardiovascular diseases in the future. This study underscores the importance of community-based approaches tailored to local social and cultural contexts to address the emerging health issues among adolescents