LATE NIGHT EATING OUT BEHAVIOUR: HAS IT BECOME CULTURE IN KUANTAN, PAHANG?

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of eating out practice is increasing as a result of lifestyle changes. Almost half of Malaysians eat out at food premises these days. Due to the availability of food services outside of the usual mealtimes, eating out is no longer confined to mealtimes. The main objective of this study was to explore the practice of eating out late at night among adults in Kuantan, Pahang. Method: A cross- sectional study design was applied to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and the frequency of eating out late at night. A newly developed and validated questionnaire on practice of eating out late at night was utilized . A total of 135 adults (43 males and 92 female) aged between 19 and 59 years old who lived in rural (Beserah) and urban (Kuala Kuantan) areas of Kuantan, Pahang, were involved in this study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that was disseminated through group chat applications and face-to-face interviews at the study areas.. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS Version 26: descriptive analysis and Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: The results showed that more than two-thirds of the respondents ate out late at night 1 to 2 times a week. However, there was no significant association between sociodemographic data (gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, living area, educational level, working status, working hours, and monthly household income) and the frequency of eating out late at night. Conclusion: Public awareness is important to prevent any further increase in this behaviour, as the practice of late night eating behaviour has been linked to negative health consequences.