Consumer's Health Consciousness, Behavior, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Dietary Habits among Young Adults of Karachi

Background: Healthy dietary practices established early in life can reduce the risk of being overweight, obese, and developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) later. This study aimed to explore health-conscious behavior, knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards dietary habits among young adults in Karachi. Methodology: A survey was conducted using SurveyMonkey among 300 undergraduate students from various fields, including medicine, engineering, and commerce, at a college in Karachi. Of the 300 contacted, 244 responded, resulting in an 81% response rate. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v26. Results: The study involved 200 young adults aged 18 to 24, with 59% females and 41% males. Half of the respondents attributed serious health issues to poor diets. Nearly 60% favored a balanced diet with moderate sugar and low fat/salt intake, and 60% perceived dairy as healthy. Dietary choices were primarily influenced by parents (30%), the internet/social media (45%), and traditional media (19%), with approximately 37% being health conscious. Conclusion: The findings highlight dietary perceptions, influences, practices, and health consciousness among young adults, emphasizing misconceptions, varied influences, and challenges in adopting healthier habits.