SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected]YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: THE STATE OF PHYSICAL HEALTH AND DIET
OF PEOPLE WHO LOVES EATING STREET FOODS
A Research
Presented to the Faculty of the
Senior High School Department
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Pangasinan
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2
Dino, Kervy Paolo C.
Ramos, Justine Mae M.
De Vera, Sharlyn M.
Ramos, Ehjyll Khalil F.
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected] Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The migration of people from rural to urban areas in emerging nations has led to a
rise in ready-to-eat, convenience, and street vending businesses. Studies conducted in
developing nations have revealed that up to 20-25% of household food expenses are
spent outside the home, and certain demographic segments are wholly dependent on
street food (Lamuka, 2014). One of the consequences of fast urbanisation is that millions
of People rely mostly on street food for their daily nutrition.
“Street foods” refers to any prepared food that is usually served to consumers on a
sidewalk or street and Is frequently made to be carried and consumed while walking
(Merriam-Webster, 2024).
Street food is often inexpensive and prepared using traditional methods, catering to
local tastes and culinary cultures, making it a popular choice among urban populations
(Bellia et al., 2022). The increasing trend of street food consumption is evident across
various regions, with many consumers preferring it over homemade meals. Research
indicates that approximately 39.3% of consumers in Anand, India, consume street food 2
to 3 times per week, highlighting its popularity(Patel & Dutta, 2022). Additionally, the
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected]
convenience and taste of street food significantly influence consumer preferences, with
many opting for it due to time constraints and accessibility(Tacardon et al., 2023). In
Indonesia, psychological factors, including nostalgia and perceived food quality, also
play a crucial role in shaping consumer choices towards street food (Efandi & Indrayeni,
2023). Furthermore, Street foods are a vital source of nutrition for low and middle-
income populations, offering inexpensive meals that meet dietary needs(Verma &
Mishra, 2020). On the other hand, consuming street food frequently has been linked to a
number of health hazards.
In many regions of the world, consumers’ health is at risk due to microbiological
contamination of street meals. Foodborne microorganisms pose significant health risks,
leading to a range of illnesses from mild gastroenteritis to severe, life-threatening
conditions. Pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes
can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe
cases, these infections can result in hospitalization or death, particularly among
vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with
compromised immune systems (FAO & WHO, 2022)(M. Et al., 2023)
It also expose individual to a greater risk of contracting Norovirus and Hepatitis A
(“Role of Foodborne Pathogens and Microorganisms in Food Safety”, 2022).
Eating habits play a significant role in determining one’s risk profile for chronic
illnesses. The association between dietary practices and health outcomes has been
reinforced by recent research, which shows how particular eating patterns might affect
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected]
the prevalence of diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
A study by Hamer et al. (2021) highlights the link between a high-processed-food diet
and a low-fruit and vegetable diet and the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses.
Their findings show that metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular problems are more
common in those with poor eating habits, which are defined by a high intake of sugar-
sweetened beverages and a low consumption of healthy foods. (Hamer et al., 2021).
There is also a lot of attention paid to how socioeconomic factors influence eating
habits. According to a study by Nguyen et al. (2022), Different dietary patterns can be
attributed to socioeconomic inequities, with lower-income communities frequently
having less access to healthful food options. The disparity between the cost and
availability of food causes people to consume less nutritious, higher-energy meals at a
lower cost. The study emphasizes the necessity of focused public health initiatives to
address these differences and encourage better eating practices among various
socioeconomic groups. (Nguyen et al., 2022).
Promising outcomes have been shown in recent programs that aim to improve
eating patterns (Turner et al.,2023).According to their findings, major improvements in
eating patterns can result from effective nutrition education and community support,
which will ultimately improve public health.
The relationship between eating patterns and physical health is profoundly
significant, as dietary habits directly impact an individual’s risk of chronic diseases and
overall well-being. Poor eating patterns, often characterized by high consumption of
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected]processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats, are strongly linked to adverse
health outcomes such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Hamer,
Kivimäki, and Belin (2021) emphasize that diets rich in refined carbohydrates and
saturated fats significantly increase the risk of developing these chronic conditions
(Hamer et al., 2021).
This is supported by Nguyen and El-Sayed (2022), who note that socio-economic
factors contribute to poor dietary choices, further exacerbating health disparities (Nguyen
& El-Sayed, 2022). The nutritional quality of food choices plays a critical role in disease
prevention and management, highlighting the importance of addressing dietary habits to
improve public health. Interventions aimed at promoting healthier eating patterns have
shown effectiveness in mitigating these risks, underscoring the need for comprehensive
strategies to enhance diet quality and overall health (Turner, Smith, & Clarke, 2023).
Therefore, understanding and improving eating patterns is crucial for reducing the
prevalence of diet-related health issues and enhancing long-term health outcomes.
Aside from eating patters, issues concerning hygiene and food safety remains as
one of the factors contributing to the prevalence of disease (Bellia et al., 2022).
Food safety in street food is a serious public health concern, especially in low- and
middle-income nations where street foods are commonly consumed. This is because
street food vendors frequently lack proper training in food hygiene, which results in
improper handling techniques.(Cataluna & Rukmini, 2024). The high levels of
microbiological contamination in ready-to-eat street foods are caused by unhygienic
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected]circumstances and inappropriate placement of food carts on streets and close to roads, as
highlighted by Raza et al. (2021). Dust and excrement may be present in the meal as a
result of vendors’ frequent poor food processing or preparation.
This fact is reinforced by Tibeso, et al. (2022), arguing that street food workers
have a key role in the spread of enteric diseases to customers because of their poor
personal hygiene and sanitation. Additionally, they mentioned that they cook and serve
food in a busy area where there is a higher chance of food contamination. People who
handle street food in dirty environments and with poor personal hygiene run the risk of
contracting various intestinal illnesses, which they can then transmit to customers.
To summarize, the frequent consumption of street foods, while offering
convenience and unique cultural flavours, often exposes individuals to a range of health
risks due to questionable hygiene practices, high levels of unhealthy fats, and limited
nutritional content, which can negatively impact long-term physical health if not balanced
with a more nutritious diet.
While street foods are becoming more and more popular, and important to urban
food environments worldwide, there is a lack of data on the specific implications of
frequent consumption of street foods for chronic disease risk in adults over time.
Although there have been previous studies on the different aspects of street food
consumption, from the sociocultural importance to health risks, there has not been much
comprehensive research regarding the relationship existing between the patterns of street
food eating and chronic health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. For
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected]
example, few in-depth studies have looked at how the ways of consuming street foods
may interact with socioeconomic variables to either promote or deteriorate health.
The core aim of this current study is to investigate the relationship between frequent
street food consumption and physical health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on
chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. The
present study, therefore, fills in this lacuna by examining the dietary patterns of street
foods intake in view of its long-term implications for health, considering the nutritional
contents of the foods and social-economic aspects of food choice. This paper,
consequently, will determine the health impacts of diets characteristic of street foods to
propose evidence-based measures for public health policies and nutritional guidelines.
Finally, the objective is an increased understanding of health risks associated with street
food consumption and recommendations for effective interventions to bring about an
improvement in dietary behaviors and public health outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to address these gaps by investigating the relationship between
the frequency of street food consumption and physical health and dietary quality among
individuals who frequently eat street foods.
Specifically, the research will focus on the following questions:
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected] 1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1 age,
1.2 sex,
1.3 body mass index (bmi), and
1.4 socio-economic status?
2. What is the difference in dietary consumption between people who consume
street food on a regular basis and people who don’t?
3. What are the common health issues reported by individuals who regularly
consume street foods?
4. Is there a significant difference in physical activity levels between individuals
who frequently eat street foods and those who do not?
4.1 how physically active are those who regularly eat food from the street
on average?
4.2 what is the mean degree of physical activity among those who don’t
usually eat food from the street?
4.3 what is the relationship between the amount of physical activity and
the frequency of eating street food?
Scope and Delimitation
This research focuses on the physical health and dietary habits of individuals who
frequently consume street foods.
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected] Initially, this study employed convenience sampling (non-probability sampling).
The researchers will gather data through surveys and health assessments from
participants who are regular consumers of street foods. The target population includes
individuals from various age groups, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds living in
urban area where street food culture is prevalent.
Moreover, the researchers limited the study to 100 respondents at San Carlos
City, Pangasinan’s metropolitan area, and does not include rural or suburban populations
where street food consumption may differ. It primarily deals with individuals who self-
identify as frequent street food consumers, excluding those who consume street foods
only occasionally.
Additionally, the research does not account for other lifestyle factors that may
influence physical health, such as physical activity levels or genetic predispositions. The
study does not consider the long-term health effects of street food consumption, as it is
cross-sectional and based on data collected at a single point in time.
Significance of the Study
This study aims to explore the relationship between the frequent consumption of
street foods and the overall physical health and dietary habits of individuals who
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected]
regularly indulge in such foods. Understanding this relationship is crucial due to the
rising popularity of street foods across various demographics.
Health Practitioners and Nutritionists. The study will offer insightful
information about the advantages or disadvantages of eating street food frequently for
one’s health. These data can be used by health professionals to create targeted dietary
interventions or educational campaigns for people who are likely to rely on street food, as
well as to better understand the effects of street food diets on public health.
Policy Makers and Food Regulators. In many nations, street food plays a
significant role in cities food systems, and policymakers must comprehend the effects it
has on public health. Regulations pertaining to street food preparation, sanitation, and
nutritional requirements will be formulated with the help of the study, guaranteeing safer
food practices that support public health objectives.
Street Food Vendors. By understanding the health effects of their offerings,
street food vendors may be motivated to adopt healthier preparation methods and
ingredients. This could improve their business prospects by appealing to health-conscious
customers while contributing to the well-being of their customers.
Costumers. The research will help individuals who love eating street foods to
become more aware of the potential health risks or benefits of their dietary choices. It
will empower them to make informed decisions about balancing street food consumption
with overall diet and physical health maintenance.
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected] Future Researchers. This study will serve as a reference point for further
research into the connection between street food consumption, diet, and health outcomes.
It may open up new avenues for more detailed or specific studies in public health and
nutrition.
References
Al-Mutairi, S. M., Al-Hajri, S. A., & El-Maghrabi, F. M. (2023).
Microbiological Safety of Street Foods: A Review of Recent Research. Food
Control. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.109811
Bellia, C., Bacarella, S., & Ingrassia, M. (2022b). Interactions between Street
Food and Food Safety Topics in the Scientific Literature—A Bibliometric
Analysis with Science Mapping. Foods, 11(6), 789.
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11060789
Cataluna, T., & Rukmini, E. (2024b). Food hygiene and sanitation
knowledges and practices of street food vendors: A systematic review. IOP
Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 1324(1), 012115.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1324/1/012115
Efandi, S., & Indrayeni, W. (2023b). The Dynamics of Consumer Psychology
of Street Food Transformation and Preferences in Indonesia: Systematic
Literature Review. JURNAL PENDIDIKAN DAN KELUARGA, 15(02), 9.
https://doi.org/10.24036/jpk/vol15-iss02/1319
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected] Encyclopedia of Food Safety. (n.d.-b). ScienceDirect.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/referencework/9780123786135/encyclopedia-
of-food-safety
Food for the Cities: Street foods. (n.d.-b). https://www.fao.org/fcit/food-
processing/street-foods/en/
Hamer, M., Kivimäki, M., & Belin, R. J. (2021). Diet quality and risk of
chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews,
79(1), 17-27. Read the Article
Khare, A. (2024b). MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF FOOD SAMPLES FROM
LOCAL FOOD VENDORS OF PANVEL REGION. Journal of Population
Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology.
https://doi.org/10.53555/jptcp.v31i3.5228
Lamuka, P. (2014b). Public Health Measures: Challenges of Developing
Countries in Management of Food Safety. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 20–26).
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-378612-8.00310-3
M, G., Panjikkaran, S. T., ER, A., KT, S., PS, L., & CL, S. (2023d).
Foodborne Diseases – A Public Health Challenge. The Indian Journal of
Nutrition and Dietetics, 447–459.
https://doi.org/10.21048/ijnd.2023.60.3.29867
Moges, M., Rodland, E. K., Legesse, T., & Argaw, A. (2024d). Antibiotic
resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae isolated
from street foods in selected towns of Ethiopia. BMC Infectious Diseases,
24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09266-4
Mtapuri, O., Giampiccoli, A., Phuong-Anh, D. T., Dłużewska, A., Mnguni, E.
M., & Long, P. H. (2024b). Street Food Tourism. Current Trends and
Envisaged Trajectories. Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Sklodowska
Sectio B – Geographia Geologia Mineralogia Et Petrographia, 79, 33–47.
https://doi.org/10.17951/b.2024.79.0.33-47
Patel, D., & Dutta, S. (2022b). Assessing the Consumers’ Perception towards
Street Foods in Anand – Vidhyanagar, Gujarat State, India. Current Journal of
Applied Science and Technology, 10–22.
https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2022/v41i2431766
Rajanna, S. K. S., Jayanna, N. K. K., Bongale, M. M., & Srinivasa, C.
(2022b). Role of Foodborne Pathogens and Microorganisms in Food Safety.
In Apple Academic Press eBooks (pp. 57–91).
https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003283140-4
Ramirez, M. M. (2022). *Enchantment in out: A perspective of Filipinos in
eating of street foods*.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358125816_enchantment_in_out_a_
perspective_of_filipinos_in_eating_of_street_foods
SPEAKER EUGENIO PEREZ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Roxas, San Carlos City, 2420 Pangasinan, Philippines
Telephone No. : +63975•955•5258
[email protected] Raza, J., Fawad, A., Shahid, M. A., & Ali, A. (2021). Contamination of ready-
to-eat street food in Pakistan with *Salmonella* spp.: Implications for
consumers and food safety. *International Journal of Infectious Diseases,
106*, 123–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.062
Salamandane, A., Malfeito-Ferreira, M., & Brito, L. (2023b). The
Socioeconomic Factors of Street Food Vending in Developing Countries and
Its Implications for Public Health: A Systematic Review. Foods, 12(20), 3774.
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203774
Sali, Julgina & Arado, Keanureeves & Ajijun, Mary Jane & Paniorotan, Dania
& Camano, April & Ladjahali, Farisha. (2023). Street Foods: Factors
Influencing its Popularity among College Students.
10.13140/RG.2.2.30031.09127.
Street food. (2024b). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/street%20food
