FAST FOODS CONSUMPTION AMONG PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENTS IN DKI JAKARTA PROVINCE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Since WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, there have been many changes in people's lives. Food delivery services makes it easier for people to consume fast food. The high consumption of fast food can lead to obesity, which in several studies is known to have a relationship with the incidence of COVID-19, its severity, and death from COVID-19 even among young people. This study aims to determine the fast foods consumption among Public Health students in DKI Jakarta during COVID-19 pandemic. It used a cross-sectional study design, involved 413 students from 14 institutions in DKI Jakarta. Data collection in November-December 2020 through filling out an online questionnaire. Food with the highest percentage were instant noodles (90.6%), fried chicken (90.6%), fritters (85.2%), chips and ice cream (82.3%), also chicken noodle and meatballs (81.8%). Based on the frequency of eating >3 times a week, the highest were chips (21.3%), instant noodles (19.9%) and fritters (19.4%). Based on the frequency of eating 1-3 times a week, fried chicken (75.8%), instant noodles (70.7%), and meatballs (69%) were the highest. Those foods are high calories, sodium and fat. Education and socialization regarding balanced diet need to be improved to prevent obesity problems during COVID-19 pandemic.