CONSUMPTION OF FAST FOODS AND HEALTH OF ADOLESCENTS IN BORI TOWN, KHANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE NIGERIA

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the consumption of fast foods and health of adolescents in Bori town, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research. A sample of 150 respondents or parents was randomly selected from 15 clusters of Bori town. Furthermore, 2 experts (i.e. 1 Nutritionist and 1 Dietician) validated wellstructured instrument titled “Fast Food Risk Assessment Questionnaire” (FFRAQ) with a reliability coefficient (using Cronbach Alpha (ra) method) of 0.813 necessitating its use for data collection analyzed using frequent count and percentage rating. The study revealed that 97% of respondents preferand consume fast foods based on its nutritious, pleasant, convenient, easy to eat, appetizing, andtasty nature. While87% of the respondents attested that the non-spicing of fast food with vegetables makes it unhealthy leading to weight gain, artery pains, heart attack, and other health issues. The study recommends among others that: nutritionists and dieticians encourage the consumption of nutritious, pleasant, appetizing and tasty fast foods especially during school hours. Alongside, parents and caregivers ensuring that they spice fast foods with vegetables which increase the antioxidants, micronutrients and nutrients that will prevent obesity, artery pains, heart attack, and other health issues