International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Objectives: To determine the influence of mass media and socio demographic factors on physical activities and personal get ups and food habits among adolescents in Pokhara Sub Metropolitan Municipality, Nepal.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in January-March 2015 among 302 adolescents of 8 higher secondary schools in Pokhara Sub Metropolitan Municipality, Nepal using self administered questionnaire technique. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: Mass media increased the adolescents’ involvement in physical activity while nearly half (49%) skipped outdoor activities to use mass media. Most of the adolescents (82.4%) bought food products advertised in mass media. All of adolescents were taking junk foods with half taking sometimes a week. Snacks/noodles were preferred by large number of adolescents (41.1%). Sex (p=0.001) and monthly family (p=0.0028) were significantly associated with involvement in physical exercise. Having television in bedroom (p=0.016) was a contributory factor for avoiding outdoor activities. Diet preference was significantly associated with monthly family income (p=0.024).

Conclusion: Mass media and socio demographic factors were found to have impact on physical activity and food habit. Governments and concerned regulatory agencies should control the mass media from advertising the junk foods that affects the health.