Cross-Sectional Study Links Student Fast Food Habits to Snacking and Screen Time

Abstract Objective: To examine associations between sedentary behaviors, eating habits, and weekly fast food and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among university students in Bangladesh, and to assess whether residential status moderates these associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 433 undergraduate and postgraduate students (aged 18-25 years) at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, using structured paper-based questionnaires. Bivariate associations were assessed using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Two separate proportional odds models were fitted for fast food and SSB consumption, incorporating behavioral predictors and residential status interaction terms. The proportional odds assumption was verified using the Brant test. Results: The overall prevalence of fast food consumption at least once per week was 91.88%. Frequent snacking (>3 days/week) between breakfast and lunch (OR = 2.17, p = 0.007), between lunch and dinner (OR = 1.77, p = 0.009), and after dinner (OR = 2.17, p = 0.043) was significantly associated with higher odds of frequent fast food consumption. Eating while watching TV or videos very often (OR = 2.68, p = 0.005) and consuming home-cooked meals (OR = 0.32, p = 0.005) were also significant predictors. Commuting more than 30 minutes daily was associated with higher odds of fast food intake (1-2 hours: OR = 2.00, p = 0.010). Among students in rented accommodation, each unit increase in emotional eating score was associated with 28% higher odds of more frequent fast food intake compared to dormitory residents (OR = 1.28, p = 0.034). For SSB consumption, snacking after dinner (OR = 2.55, p = 0.012), eating while watching TV or videos very often (OR = 2.75, p = 0.007), home-cooked meals (OR = 0.42, p = 0.035), and video gaming five or more hours daily (OR = 0.39, p = 0.002) were significant independent predictors. Conclusion: Specific snacking behaviors, screen-associated eating, home-based meal access, and commuting time are independently associated with fast food and SSB consumption frequency among Bangladeshi university students. The moderating role of residential status on emotional eating suggests that dietary interventions should be tailored to students' living arrangements.