Peer Interaction and Social Media Exposure Associated with Adolescents' Junk Food Attitudes for Diabetes Prevention

Abstract

The current lifestyle of adolescents, characterized by a high consumption of junk food, has become a concern due to its contribution to the increasing risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes mellitus. This phenomenon is influenced by various factors, including peer interaction and social media exposure, which drive behaviors and positive attitudes among adolescents toward unhealthy foods like junk food. This study aims to determine the relationship of peer interaction and social media exposure and adolescents’ attitudes in consumming junk food for diabetes prevention.

This research is an analytic, unmatched study using a cross-sectional design. The sample was selected using probability sampling with a simple random sampling without replacement method. A total of 206 respondents were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria at SMA Kartika XIX-2 Bandung. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the chi-square statistical test to examine the relationships among variables.

The results showed a significant relationship between peer interaction and social media exposure and adolescents’ attitudes toward junk food consumption, with a p-value <0.05. Higher levels of peer interaction and social media exposure were associated with more positive attitudes toward junk food consumption among adolescents.

These findings indicate the important role of the social environment, including peer interaction and social media, in shaping adolescents’ attitudes toward junk food. Therefore, prevention efforts through education and interventions are necessary from adolescence to promote healthy eating patterns and reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus, which can affect health in later life.