The Impact Of Social Media On Dietary Behaviour Of Adolescents In Umuahia South Local Government Area:- Robinson, Chisom P

ABSTRACT Adolescence is a critical developmental stage during which lifelong dietary habits are formed, and social media has emerged as a powerful influence on food-related behaviors. This study assessed the impact of social media on the dietary behavior of adolescents in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 250 adolescents selected from five secondary schools through multistage sampling. Data were collected using validated structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, covering socio-demographic information, consumption patterns, and social media influence on eating habits. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The respondents were predominantly female (72%), Igbo (94.8%), and Christian (94.4%), with a majority from senior secondary classes (59.2%). Most fathers (48%) and mothers (58.4%) had tertiary education, while trading was the most common parental occupation. Dietary patterns revealed that 56.8% consumed three meals daily, 20% skipped breakfast, and 50.4% skipped lunch. Fruit intake was low, with only 16.4% consuming fruits daily, while vegetable intake was higher, with 54% reporting daily consumption. Daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (22.8%) and fast foods (14%) was also observed. Encouragingly, 79.6% consumed homemade rheais daily. Social media use was reported by 54.8% of adolescents, with TikTok (22.8%), Facebook (14.4%), and YouTube (13.2%) being the most common platforms. A large proportion (90.8%) had encountered food-related content online, with 50% admitting that social media influenced their food choices. Among these, positive influences included increased fruit intake (47.6%), vegetable intake (45.6%), and homemade meal consumption (51.2%). However, negative influences were also evident, as 17.6% reported increased sugary drink intake and 12.8% reported greater fast-food consumption. Notably, 44.4% had changed their eating habits due to online influence, with 42% reducing soft drink consumption. A majority (70%) agreed that schools and parents should provide more education on the impact of social media on eating habits. In conclusion, adolescents in Umuahia South displayed mixed dietary patterns, with high reliance on homemade meals but low fruit intake and frequent meal skipping. Social media was identified as a double-edged influence promoting both healthy and unhealthy eating practices. Strengthening school-based nutrition education, parental guidance and health-focused digital campaigns, alongside policy measures regulating online food marketing, are recommended to foster healthier dietary behaviors among adolescents.