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Impact of Food Delivery Apps on Student Diets

The document investigates the influence of food delivery apps on the diet quality of students in tertiary institutions in Zaria, Kaduna State. It highlights the shift in students' food consumption patterns due to the convenience of these apps, which often leads to unhealthy dietary choices and potential health risks. The study aims to assess the impact of food delivery services on students' nutritional intake and overall well-being, addressing a gap in empirical data specific to Nigerian higher education institutions.

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44 views8 pages

Impact of Food Delivery Apps on Student Diets

The document investigates the influence of food delivery apps on the diet quality of students in tertiary institutions in Zaria, Kaduna State. It highlights the shift in students' food consumption patterns due to the convenience of these apps, which often leads to unhealthy dietary choices and potential health risks. The study aims to assess the impact of food delivery services on students' nutritional intake and overall well-being, addressing a gap in empirical data specific to Nigerian higher education institutions.

Uploaded by

danielzaccheaus
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

INFLUENCE OF FOOD DELIVERY APPS ON DIET QUALITY AMONG

STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ZARIA KADUNA STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Food is the most basic necessity of life needed for existence most especially a balance diet to

maintain sound health. Students’ food consumption pattern in Nigeria has been undergoing

remarkable changes over the last few years. Back in the 80s, most Nigerian students in

tertiary institutions eat in school owned cafeteria, a system where meal tickets were sold at a

subsidized rate to all registered students. Scrapping of the cafeteria and meal tickets left

students with no options but prepare their meals or eat out in cafeteria and restaurants. This

led to proliferation of private cafeteria, restaurants and fast-food joints in university campuses

and its environs (Oladimeji and Abdulsalam, 2016).

Fast foods are processed foods that can be prepared quickly and available within a short time

on demand. This includes all food purchased and consumed away from home usually in

bistro, eatery, cafe and restaurant (Oladimeji and Abdulsalam, 2016).

The rise of online food delivery applications (OFDAs) has redefined how students in tertiary

institutions access food, particularly in urban settings. These digital platforms offer

unmatched convenience, often leading to changes in dietary habits and overall food choices

(Adamu, 2023). As students juggle academic, social, and sometimes work responsibilities,

food delivery apps provide an easy solution to meal acquisition, though often at the expense

of nutritional quality.

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The shift towards food delivery apps is driven by numerous factors, including the busy

schedules of students, the desire for comfort, and the perceived variety and affordability of

options available through these platforms. However, research across different regions has

observed that this convenience often comes at a cost to diet quality. Many delivered foods

tend to be high in calories, saturated fats, refined sugars, and processed ingredients, which are

not aligned with balanced nutritional needs (Imran, 2023). This situation is further worsened

by some vendors offering fast food that is less nutritious, yet highly appealing due to their

taste, marketing, and ease of access. The risk is that frequent consumption of such foods

could lead to nutritional deficiencies, weight gain, and long-term health problems among

students (Eze, 2022).

Zaria is known for its academic excellence and is home to higher institutions such as Ahmadu

Bello University, The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Nuhu

Bamalli Polytechnic, Federal University of Education, Zaria and many others. It has

developed into a thriving center of social activities, intellectual interests, and youthful

enthusiasm. The introduction of meal delivery services in this setting has altered the way that

students interact with nutrition and food. Instead of having to leave their lecture halls or

dorms, students can now order a wide range of meals from various vendors such as Foodlify

mobile app, BiteXpress mobile app ChowDeck app and many others. Since many students

now depend on these applications for their daily nutrition, this has helped to adapt food

accessibility and accommodate their changing lives. Notwithstanding the numerous

advantages, there are underlying problems with diet quality that require careful consideration

(Adebayo & Lawal, 2022).

Even though food delivery apps are becoming more and more popular and are unquestionably

convenient, there is still a noticeable lack of regulation and control surrounding the

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nutritional value of the food being delivered. The nutritional value of their meals and the

long-term health effects of often consuming highly processed foods are unknown to many

students (Nwachukwu, 2022). Furthermore, there is a dearth of empirical data on the effects

of mobile apps that is unique to Nigerian tertiary institutions, such as those in Zaria, which

makes it challenging to create focused interventions. Understanding how these platforms

affect dietary choices is essential for creating health-promoting policies, as nutrition has an

important role in students' physical and mental well-being (Akanbi & Yusuf, 2024).

The burgeoning use of food delivery apps among students in Zaria's tertiary institutions

presents both opportunities and challenges. While they offer unmatched convenience and

variety, they also raise questions about their impact on diet quality and health. The purpose of

this study is to investigate these aspects and offer an understanding of how students'

nutritional intake and general diet quality are influenced by digital food services.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Lifestyle behaviours have gained public attention as a crucial factor affecting overall health

and well-being. The public recognizes a healthy diet and regular physical activity as the most

significant indicators of general health and well-being. However, online food delivery

services have introduced a new aspect to people's eating habits and physical well-being.

According to Nelson (2020), the increasing use of food delivery apps has significant

implications for dietary quality among young adults. Online food delivery (OFD) has been

mostly associated with unhealthy dietary patterns and reduced physical activity levels

(Stephens, 2020). University students are precious assets for any nation. As such, students

who experience low levels of well-being and quality of life can enormously impact the

country's social, economic, and other factors. Neglecting to address these issues can result in

their manifestation in the next generation of working adults this can lead to a future
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workforce that is compromised in terms of productivity, mental health, and overall well-

being, ultimately affecting the social and economic development of a nation. Nowadays, it

has become increasingly common for undergraduate students to use food delivery apps to buy

high-calorie and unhealthy meals, which may negatively impact their health and well-being

(Buettner, 2023). The use of OFD by students can negatively impact their dietary patterns.

Students tend to consume unhealthy food, have an uncontrolled portion size, and lack

consistency in their mealtimes. Continuation of such unhealthy habits for a prolonged period

can put their health at risk and make them more susceptible to being diagnosed with non-

communicable illnesses at a younger age. Despite these concerns, there is a scarcity of data

assessing the direct relationship between food delivery app usage and diet quality in Nigerian

tertiary institutions. Without targeted research, it is difficult to implement effective

interventions or policy recommendations aimed at promoting healthier food choices among

students. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by investigating the influence of food

delivery app usage on the diet quality of students in Nigerian higher education institutions.

1.3 Objectives of the study.

The major objective of this study is to assess the influence of food delivery apps on diet

quality amongst students of tertiary institution in Zaria, Kaduna State. The specific objectives

are;

i. Assess the influence of FDAs on diet quality of students in tertiary institutions.

ii. Assess the influence of types of meals mostly patronized by the students

iii. Determine the impact of FDAs on the choices of student in relation to their wealth or

well-being

iv. Asses the calorie value of the foods available to the students using the Food Delivery

Apps.

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1.4 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

i. What is the influence of Food Delivery Apps (FDAs) on the diet quality of students in

tertiary institutions?

ii. What are the types of meals most patronized by students via Food Delivery Apps

iii. How do Food Delivery Apps influence students' food choices in relation to their

socio-economic status and overall well-being?

iv. What is the calorie value of the foods available to students through Food Delivery

Apps?

1.5 Hypotheses of the study

The study will test the following null hypotheses:

H₁: Food Delivery Apps (FDAs) significantly influence the diet quality of students in

tertiary institutions.

H₂: Students do not significantly differ types of meals most patronized by students through

FDAs significantly affect their dietary patterns.

H₃: Food delivery apps do not significantly the choices made and it influence on student

health or well-being.

H₄: Foods ordered through food delivery apps do not significantly differ in their calorie

value, compared to home cooked meal.

1.6 Significance of the study

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The study examined the influence of Online Fast-Food Delivery on the Dietary Choices of

Students in Tertiary Institutions. This study is significant because it will provide valuable

insights into how Food Delivery Apps influence students' dietary habits and overall health in

higher institutions, particularly in Zaria. By understanding the relationship between the use of

these digital platforms and diet quality, the research will help students, educators, health

practitioners, and policymakers develop targeted interventions aimed at promoting healthier

eating behaviors.

Students will benefit directly by becoming more aware of their nutritional choices and the

potential health implications of relying heavily on food delivery services. Academic

institutions can utilize the findings to incorporate nutrition education into their student health

services and create policies that encourage healthier eating practices. Health professionals

and dietitians can also access the information to design tailored nutritional guidelines and

awareness campaigns that address the dietary risks associated with unhealthy food delivery

options. Government agencies responsible for public health can leverage this study’s findings

to formulate regulations and standards for food vendors on these platforms, ensuring safer

and healthier food options for the youth.

The information from the research if found positive, can get to the beneficiaries by publishing

it on the internet, school website and made available in the libraries.

1.7 Delimitation of the study

This study, titled "Influence of Food Delivery Apps on Diet Quality among Students in

Tertiary Institutions in Zaria," primarily focuses on the use of food delivery apps (FDAs) and

their impact on students' diet quality. The subjects of the study are students enrolled in

various tertiary institutions within Zaria metropolis, Kaduna State. The research is

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geographically delimited to Zaria because of the observable increase in the use and popularity

of FDAs among students in this area. The city hosts several notable higher institutions,

including Ahmadu Bello University, which makes it a relevant location to study the effects of

food delivery services on student dietary habits within a specific cultural and economic

context. The choice of Zaria is also influenced by the researcher’s proximity to the location,

which facilitates efficient data collection and engagement with respondents. In addition, the

concentration of students utilizing FDAs and the diversity of food options available make

Zaria an ideal case study that can provide insights potentially applicable to other regions in

Nigeria. Data will be gathered through questionnaires administered to students across

selected university campuses in Zaria, chosen because this instrument effectively captures

their food purchasing behaviors, dietary preferences, and perceptions regarding FDAs,

enabling a clear understanding of the subject.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms.

Food: refers to any substance, whether processed, semi-processed, or raw, that is intended

for human consumption. It is consumed to provide nutritional support and energy to an

organism.

Food Delivery Apps: Food delivery app is a type of mobile app or website designed to

facilitate ordering and receiving food from restaurants or retailers directly to consumers or

customers. They act as intermediaries, connecting customers with food providers and

managing the ordering, payment, and delivery processes. This involves features like menu

browsing, order placement, payment processing, order tracking, and sometimes, even

delivery logistics.

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Diet: refers to the specific food and drink an individual or group regularly consumes. It can

also refer to a prescribed or limited selection of foods, often for health reasons or weight

management. In other words, it's the daily or habitual eating habits or a planned eating

pattern.

Diet Quality: is the extent to which a diet aligns with established dietary recommendations,

such as those outlined in national nutrition guidelines. It assesses the overall pattern of foods

consumed, considering factors like variety, balance, and the presence of essential nutrients.

Instead of focusing on individual nutrients, it evaluates the totality of the diet's composition.

Tertiary Institution: is defined as any formal post-secondary educational institution, including

universities, colleges, polytechnics, and vocational schools, that provides education beyond

high school. These institutions offer degree programs, diplomas, or vocational certifications,

preparing individuals for careers and higher education.

Common questions

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Food delivery apps have redefined access to food for students, offering unmatched convenience that often leads to dietary changes. These platforms typically provide food options that are high in calories, saturated fats, and sugars, which are not aligned with balanced nutritional needs . This convenience encourages unhealthy dietary patterns, such as frequent consumption of fast foods and processed meals, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and long-term health issues . The lack of regulation surrounding the nutritional value of delivered meals exacerbates these issues .

The rising popularity of food delivery apps in Zaria is influenced by a confluence of cultural and economic factors. The thriving academic environment and busy student lifestyles promote demand for convenient, quick meal options . Economically, the variety and accessibility of relatively affordable food choices via apps attract students, while culturally, reliance on such digital services aligns with broader global trends towards convenience and digital integration . This interplay fosters a dependence on food apps for daily nutrition, posing challenges and opportunities for health and policy interventions .

Food delivery apps often offer large portion sizes that can lead to uncontrolled consumption among students, contributing to caloric intake that exceeds dietary recommendations . This lack of portion control can promote overeating, contributing to weight gain and associated health problems such as obesity . Overeating due to lack of portion control can also diminish nutritional balance by reinforcing preferences for larger, less healthy meal options .

Researchers face challenges such as a scarcity of empirical data specific to Nigerian tertiary institutions, making it difficult to determine precise relationships between app usage and diet quality . There is a lack of regulation on the nutritional value of foods offered on these platforms, leading to variability in what constitutes a typical diet . Additionally, capturing accurate dietary patterns and preferences among a diverse student population requires extensive and culturally sensitive research methodologies .

The frequent use of food delivery apps by students may lead to habitual consumption of high-calorie, unhealthy meals, negatively impacting their health and increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases at a young age . This can manifest as poor dietary quality, leading to weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, and related health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases . These health issues could affect students' productivity, mental health, and overall well-being, ultimately impacting the social and economic development of a nation .

The lack of detailed empirical data impedes the development of targeted interventions as it restricts insights into the specific dietary patterns and nutritional deficiencies prevalent among students . Without empirical data, it is challenging to identify the most pressing nutritional risks or effectively tailor policies and educational programs to improve diet quality among students . Overcoming this barrier requires comprehensive research tailored to the cultural and institutional contexts of Nigerian students to inform effective health initiatives and regulatory frameworks .

Socio-economic factors influence students' choices on food delivery apps as those with higher disposable incomes may opt for a more varied menu, while others may prioritize affordability, often choosing less nutritious, cheaper options . The convenience and perceived variety offered by these apps could lead students to prioritize ease and speed over nutritional value, potentially exacerbating unhealthy eating patterns among students with different socio-economic backgrounds .

Government agencies can use study findings to formulate regulations and standards for food vendors on delivery platforms, ensuring safer and healthier food options are available . They could implement policies that require clear nutritional information to be available for all menu items offered through these apps, empowering students to make informed dietary choices. Additionally, agencies might fund public health campaigns to educate students on the risks associated with frequently consuming unhealthy delivered meals .

Academic institutions can use the findings to integrate nutrition education into their student health services, informing students about the importance of balanced diets. They can develop policies that promote healthy eating practices, such as offering on-campus alternatives to less nutritious delivery options . Institutions might also collaborate with food vendors to create healthier menu options on delivery platforms and conduct campaigns to raise awareness about the dietary risks associated with frequent use of food delivery apps .

Strategies could include developing educational programs to inform students about nutrition and healthy food choices and encouraging self-prepared meals. Institutions might offer on-campus healthy food outlets to reduce reliance on delivery services. Collaboration with food app providers to include healthier meal options and transparency about nutritional content can also help . Additionally, implementing campus-wide campaigns promoting physical activity and regular health check-ups can mitigate some negative impacts of these dietary patterns .

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