Online Food Delivery App Use, Digital Food Marketing Exposure, and Nutritional Status among School-Going Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Adolescents increasingly make food choices in digital environments shaped by online food delivery apps, social media ads, influencers, discounts, and algorithms. This study assessed associations between online food delivery app use, digital food marketing exposure, dietary choices, and nutritional status among school-going adolescents.
Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study involved 424 adolescents aged 13–18 years from public and private schools. A structured questionnaire captured socio-demographics, app use frequency, marketing exposure, dietary habits, nutrition knowledge, and screen time. Anthropometric measures determined BMI-for-age categories. Analyses used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression.
Results: In the illustrative dataset, 38.4% reported weekly+ app ordering and 57.8% high marketing exposure. High app users showed higher fast food (68.0% vs. 31.0%), sugar-sweetened beverages (64.0% vs. 37.0%), fried snacks (61.0% vs. 34.0%), and desserts intake, plus lower fruit (24.0% vs. 48.0%) and vegetable (22.0% vs. 42.0%) consumption (p<0.001). Overweight/obesity prevalence was 37.0% in high vs. 18.0% in low app users (p<0.001). After adjustments (age, sex, school type, pocket money, screen time, activity), high app use linked to unhealthy choices (aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.58–3.84) and overweight/obesity (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.10–2.89). High marketing exposure associated with unhealthy choices (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.24–2.98) and overweight/obesity (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.04–2.74).
Conclusions: Digital food environments promote unhealthy diets and weight gain in adolescents. Interventions need digital nutrition literacy, parental oversight, school policies, and youth-targeted marketing regulations
How to Cite
Rakhi, Neeraj Choudhary, "Online Food Delivery App Use, Digital Food Marketing Exposure, and Nutritional Status among School-Going Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study", Vol. 3, Issue 6, 26-09-2025, pp. 83-93.
