Association between living area, economic level, and the intake of highly processed foods

The increasing consumption of Highly Processed Foods (HPF) in the eating habits of adolescents and young adults is associated with various health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Factors influencing dietary choices include living arrangements, family economic status, and the amount of pocket money play an important role in eating habits. This research aims to determine the association between living arrangements, economic status, and HPF consumption among Muhammadiyah high school/vocational school students in Ponorogo in 2024. The method used in this research is the cross sectional. The analysis carried out in this research focused on young women at Muhammadiyah Highschool in Ponorogo in 2024. The data was analyzed using the correlation test Spearman’s Rank. The research results show that it is a place to live with value p-value = 0.223 which can be concluded that there is no significant association between place of residence and HPF consumption, family income and the value p-value = 0.046 which can be concluded that there is a significant association between family income and HPF consumption, and pocket money and the value p-value = 0.046 which can be concluded that there is a significant association between family allowances and HPF consumption. Addressing environmental and socioeconomic factors that influence adolescent eating habits is critical to promoting better health outcomes. Future research should continue to explore this association and develop targeted strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of HPF consumption in this vulnerable population.