Student food consumption habits exploring foodconsumption characteristics in urban student communities

Trang 1 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES------THE ESSAYINTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGYTheme: “ Student Food Consumption Habits: Exploring Food Trang 2

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

- -THE ESSAY INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Theme: “ Student Food Consumption Habits: Exploring Food

Consumption Characteristics in Urban Student Communities ”

Instructor :

Student Name : Giang Thị Phương Thảo – 21030828

Đỗ Văn Tiến – 21030832 Phạm Thủy Tiên -

Class : K66A KHQL TT23

Course Code : 222-SOC1051-E-02

Table of contents

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION 1

1 The signi昀椀cance of the study 1

2 Research overview 1

2.1 Factors in昀氀uencing food choices: 1

2.2 Types of consumed food 2

2.3 Impact of convenience, a昀昀ordability, and health considerations 2

3 Objectives of the study 2

3.1 Identifying students' food preferences 2

3.2 Examining students' eating habits and patterns 3

3.3 Investigating dining locations and social aspects of food consumption among students 3

3.4 Exploring students' personal views and attitudes on food-related topics 3

4 Scope of the study 3

4.1 Geographic scope 3

4.2 Target population 3

4.3 Research methodology 3

4.4 Topics covered 3

4.5 Data analysis 4

CHAPTER II PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS 5

1 Survey results from the questionnaire 5

Conclude 13

2 Individual work 14

2.1 The result of In-depth interviews’ Tiến 14

2.2 The result of In-depth interviews’ Thảo 17

Danh mục tài liệu tham khảo 23

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1 The signi昀椀cance of the study

This research can help identify students' most common preferencesand eating habits in a particular context, which in turn can explore thecharacteristics of food consumption in the community By examiningindividual perspectives on eating, research can also uncover the reasonsbehind students' preferences and eating habits, providing insight into thesociocultural factors and attitudes that in昀氀uence their food choices

Research can also highlight potential barriers to healthy eatinghabits in students, such as limited access to healthy food choices or lack

of knowledge about nutrition, and inform the development of strategies toovercome these barriers

The study can also provide useful information to food serviceproviders, allowing them to tailor their services to better meet thepreferences and needs of student clients

2

Research overview

Regarding the hobbies, living habits and personal views on eating ofHanoi students, there have been many researches and articles on allaspects revolving around this issue of many experts in many 昀椀elds ofstudy

By reviewing relevant research, this review aims to identify keyfactors in昀氀uencing food choices, the type of food consumed, and theimpact of social and cultural factors on food consumption by the Hanoistudent community

2.1 Factors in昀氀uencing food choices:

2.1.1 Economic factor

Studies have shown that economic considerations play an importantrole in students' food choices A昀昀ordability and 昀椀nancial constraintsin昀氀uence students' decisions, leading them to choose cheaper foodoptions or look for discounts and promotions Limited budgets often a昀昀ectstudents prioritizing cost-e昀昀ective meals.1

2.1.2 Convenience and accessibility

Convenience and accessibility of food options have been identi昀椀ed asimportant factors in昀氀uencing eating habits Students prioritize quick andaccessible meal options due to busy schedules and time constraints Theproximity of food establishments, such as street food vendors andcanteens, greatly in昀氀uences food choices

2.1.3 Health and nutrition

Health and nutrition considerations are increasingly important forstudents Students are becoming more conscious of their dietary choicesand interested in healthier food choices Factors such as nutritional value,balanced diets, food safety and hygiene concerns in昀氀uence their foodchoices

2.2 Types of consumed food

Students in Hanoi are very fond of local dishes due to their familiarity,taste and cultural signi昀椀cance Traditional dishes are often associated withidentity and cultural heritage

The in昀氀uence of Western food culture and globalization has led to anincrease in consumption of fast food and processed snacks by Hanoistudents Observed the growing tendency of students to consume fastfood due to its convenience and taste The availability and marketing ofinternational fast food chains has contributed to this shift in foodpreferences.2

Street food and street vendors play an important role in students' foodconsumption habits Students often rely on street eateries and streetvendors to eat Factors such as taste, authenticity, and a昀昀ordabilitycontribute to the popularity of street food options among students.

2.3 Impact of convenience, a昀昀ordability, and health considerations

The interaction between convenience, a昀昀ordability, and healthconsiderations in昀氀uences food choices Students often make trade-o昀昀sbetween convenience, cost, and health factors when choosing their meals.Marketing and advertising also in昀氀uence students' perceptions andchoices, particularly related to convenience foods and snacks

3 Objectives of the study

3.1 Identifying students' food preferences

Identify the types of cuisines, dishes, and ingredients that studentsprefer in their diet Explore factors that in昀氀uence their eating preferences,such as cultural background, taste preferences, health considerations, andconvenience

3.2 Examining students' eating habits and patterns.

Explore factors that in昀氀uence living habits, time constraints,a昀昀ordability, availability of food options, and in昀氀uence of friends

3.3 Investigating dining locations and social aspects of food consumption among students

Identify preferred places to eat, such as private homes, universitycanteens, restaurants, street food stalls, or cafes Consider the socialaspects of food consumption, including eating with friends, family, oralone, and the importance of a shared dining experience

3.4 Exploring students' personal views and attitudes on food-related topics

Investigate their views on nutrition, food safety, sustainable foodpractices and cultural traditions related to food Understand theirawareness and involvement in healthy eating behaviors and theirawareness of the impact of diet on overall health

4 Scope of the study

The scope of sociological investigation of students' interests, livinghabits, personal views on eating is determined as follows:

4.5 Data analysis

The data collected through interviews and questionnaires will be analyzedusing qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques The analysis willfocus on identifying themes and key 昀椀ndings related to the researchobjectives

CHAPTER II PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

1 Survey results from the questionnaire

Câu hỏi số 1: Bạn có phải là một tín đồ ăn uống không?

The results showed that most students enjoyed eating, with 90.5%answering yes Only 2 (9.5%) answered no For example, a 22-year-oldsophomore replied, "I'm not a foodie I only eat when I'm hungry and don'tcare much about food or place I usually buy ready-to-eat food or cook athome."

Câu hỏi số 2: Địa điểm bạn thường chọn ăn uống ở đâu?

The results showed that when answered with multiple options, studentstended to choose a昀昀ordable locations and sidewalks, with 57.1% and33.3% respectively Selected luxury venues accounted for only 9.5% Inaddition, the selection rate of 76.2% of students said they did not have a昀椀xed location but depending on the situation and accompanying person.This may indicate the 昀氀exibility and customization of students in choosingplaces to consume food, which may depend on time, budget and comfort

of the environment

In terms of the type of dining option, eateries were the most popularchoice with 81%, followed by restaurants with 14.3% and conveniencestore chains with 4.8% For example, a 23-year-old third-year studentsaid, "I usually choose a diner or restaurant to go with friends or family Ilike shops with airy space and modern style I also visit convenience storechains to buy drinks or cakes."

Câu hỏi số 3: Tiêu chí nào quan trọng nhất khi bạn lựa chọn địa điểm ănuống?

The results showed that students were very concerned about food qualityand hygiene safety along with price with 95.2% choosing this category.This shows that students place a high priority on ensuring the food theyconsume is reliable and safe to avoid the risk of poisoning or illness Othercriteria were also noticed but not as high, including interactive service(57.1%), style and space (66.7%), variety of menu choices (47.6%),reviews and recommendations from people (38.1%) and other factors(9.5%) For example, a 21-year-old senior said, "I attach great importance

to food quality and hygiene safety when I go out to eat I don't want to getpoisoned or sick from eating I also like the restaurants with good serviceand friendliness I don't like bars with cold or disrespectful sta昀昀."

Câu hỏi số 4: Đối với bạn, ăn uống có ý nghĩa như thế nào?

The results showed that students saw eating as a pleasure and a way torelieve stress 85.7% chose to help feel good and happy, and 61.9% chose

to help reduce stress This suggests that eating is not only a physiologicalneed, but also brings joy and mental comfort to students A small number

of students (23.8%) said that eating is just for living For example, a year-old freshman said, "I consider eating to be a joy of life I always want

19-to try new foods and explore other cultures through food I also feelcomfortable and happy to share meals with family or friends."

Câu hỏi số 5: Bạn có thường xuyên tìm kiếm thông tin về dinh dưỡng haycách ăn uống tốt cho sức khỏe không?

Of the 21 respondents, 81% (17) said they regularly seek informationabout nutrition and healthy eating This shows that a signi昀椀cant number of

students are interested in acquiring knowledge about nutrition andhealthy eating Only 4 (19%) do not regularly seek information aboutnutrition or healthy eating While this number is smaller, it also suggeststhat not all students are interested in 昀椀nding this information.

When asked about the source of information they usually look for, 90.5%(19 people) said they often seek information from the Internet This is apopular and convenient source of information for students, as the Internetprovides a variety of sources of information about nutrition and eating.33.3% (7 people) said they seek information from newspapers and books.This suggests that some students tend to use traditional sources ofinformation to learn about nutrition and healthy eating 13 out of 21(61.9%) said they seek information from someone with experience Thissuggests that there is a portion of students who prefer to seek informationfrom a trusted source with experience in the 昀椀eld of nutrition and eating.Only 1 (4.8%) said they sought information from another, unidenti昀椀edsource While this number is small, it suggests that some students mayuse special sources of information other than the Internet, newspapers,books, or experienced people

Câu hỏi số 6: Bạn có cảm thấy rào cản khi phải lựa chọn thực phẩm tốt vàlành mạnh không?

Of the 20 respondents to the questionnaire, 12 (57.1%) said they hadbarriers to making good and healthy food choices In contrast, only 9(42.9%) said they had no barriers.

When asked about the speci昀椀c barriers they faced, respondents gavevarious reasons 13 respondents (65%) cited price and 昀椀nancing as amajor barrier 6 respondents (30%) said that accessibility and accessibilityare a dilemma 6 respondents (30%) said that information about food isincomplete or inaccurate 10 respondents (50%) said that lifestyle habitsare an important factor And 昀椀nally, 10 respondents (50%) cited time andconvenience as other barriers

From the results of this survey, it can be concluded that choosing goodand healthy foods is not an easy decision for many people There are

many factors that in昀氀uence this decision, and not everyone has themeans to choose the right foods for their health

Câu hỏi số 7: Bạn có bao giờ chia sẻ cách lựa chọn thực phẩm với ngườikhác không?

According to the survey results, the number of respondents to thequestion accounted for 81% (17 people out of 21) and 19% (4 people)gave the answer "no" This shows that the majority of consumers have ahabit of sharing their food choices with others

Friends accounted as the majority with 17 responses This can beexplained by the fact that friends often have the same interests, opinionsand a high level of trust in each other Moreover, friends are also more

have a close relationship and care for each other Relatives are also greatin昀氀uencers on each other's shopping and consumption decisions And only

1 person chooses to share on social networks This can be explained bythe fact that sharing on social networks is risky and di昀케cult to control.Consumers may be concerned about being negatively reacted to, havingtheir privacy invaded, or having their personal information takenadvantage of

Wanting to help others lead a healthy lifestyle accounted for 13 of the 17respondents Show that consumers have a high sense of their role andresponsibility in improving the quality of life of society They also havefaith in the e昀昀ectiveness of sharing information about nutrition andhealth Wanting to create a positive spread of information about nutritionand health was 10 people out of 17 responses Consumers have a desire

to contribute to creating a healthy and useful information space for thecommunity They also intend to strengthen their prestige and in昀氀uence insocial networks Wanting to exchange ideas and learn from others was 10out of 17 responses They value interaction and socializing with peoplewho share the same interests and needs

Câu hỏi số 8: Theo bạn, những yếu tố nào ảnh hưởng đến sự lựa chọn tiêudùng thực phẩm của sinh viên trong môi trường đô thị hiện nay?

According to the survey results, the group came up with 昀椀ve main factorsin昀氀uencing individuals' food choices in urban environments, including:income and 昀椀nance, education and awareness of nutrition, culture andvalues, access and social connections, etc and surroundings In particular,income and 昀椀nance are the most valued factors, with 95.2% of surveyrespondents saying that this is the most important factor in deciding tobuy food This is understandable because income and 昀椀nances directlya昀昀ect individuals' ability to spend and shop People with higher incomesmay choose foods that are more expensive, more quality, or more tailored

to personal preferences Conversely, people with low incomes will have tolimit their spending and choose foods that are cheaper, less nutritious, ornot suitable for their personal taste

Education and awareness about nutrition are the second most concerned,with 76.2% of survey respondents saying it is an important factor in foodchoices This suggests that individuals in urban environments areincreasingly conscious of healthy and nutritionally balanced eating Peoplewho are more educated and knowledgeable about nutrition will tend tochoose foods that are nutritious, low in fat, low in sugar, or have healthbene昀椀ts Conversely, people with lower levels of education and lessunderstanding of nutrition will tend to choose foods that are high in fat,