Fast food consumption pattern of bankers in Kasoa in the central region of Ghana

Abstract

This study investigated Fast Food Consumption Pattern of Bankers in Kasoa located in the Central Region of Ghana. The study sought to ascertain the nutritional knowledge bankers have on fast food, identify kinds of fast food bankers consume , their consumption pattern as well as, to find out the factors that influence their fast food consumption. This study adopted a descriptive survey design method (thus, a cross sectional survey design). The researcher used convenience sampling techniques in selecting one hundred and twenty-four (124) participants for the study. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect quantitative data for the study. Analysis of data was carried out using descriptive statistical tools. The results indicated that 124(100%) respondents have a good nutritional knowledge about the food ingredients of the fast foods they consumed. Meanwhile, majority of the respondents, 85(68.55%), claimed that they consume cereals and grains such as rice dishes, millet porridge, roasted corn, banku, kenkey, burger, sandwich, pizza, biscuits, and turn over/ pie. Also, 81 (65.32%) agreed that they usually consumed starchy roots and plantain in the form of Yam, Plantain, Cocoyam, Roasted corn, Chips, and Fufu. Other respondents, 78 (65.32%) confirmed that they mostly consumed fruits such as Sweetened Fruit juice, Lemonade, Carbonated drinks, Sobolo (Bisap), Plain tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Homemade fruit juice, Mango, Orange, Pineapple, Pawpaw, Banana, and Water melon. More so, 44 (35.48%) of the bankers consume fast food 3 to 4 times daily. It was also evident from the study that factors which influenced bankers the most to consume fast food were emotions with 40 (32.26%), no home assistance 37 (29.84). Again, 15(12.10%) claimed that they always consider nutrition information and lack of cooking skills respectively as factors which influence them to purchase fast food with the least factors being cost and busy schedule, thus nine 9 (7.26%). It is recommended from the findings that banking authorities be duty-bound to assist in maintaining a healthy body of its staff by serving its members with a pack of cut fruits a day for the week and if possible one vegetable dense food served to them. Also, it was recommended that bankers go through health screening once or twice a year to ensure they are in good health. Finally, the study recommended that bankers should consider health issues and nutritional information of fast foods before consuming to avoid diseases associated with fast food consumption.