Keywords
adolescents;
advertising exposure;
eating behaviour;
parents income;
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) consumption among adolescents is increasing and is associated with the risk of overweight and non-communicable diseases. Purpose: This study aimed to analyse the association of sex, parents income, advertising exposure, and eating behaviour with UPF consumption among junior high school students in Semarang City, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three junior high schools in Semarang City in 2026 among 297 students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, including a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate analysis, the chi-square test, and binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 62.63% of students had high UPF consumption. Advertising exposure (p<0.001) and eating behaviour (p<0.001) were significantly associated with UPF consumption, whereas sex (p=0.778) and parents income (p=0.315) were not. Advertising exposure was the most dominant factor (OR=4.40; 95% CI: 2.58–7.49), followed by negative eating behaviour (OR=3.88; 95% CI: 2.28–6.60). Conclusion: Advertising exposure and eating behaviour are the main determinants of UPF consumption among junior high school students. School-based media literacy and nutrition education, together with stronger regulation of food marketing to children and adolescents, should be prioritised.
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