Association Between Junk Food Consumption and Behavioral Outcomes in 10–15-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire-based Study

Background: Dietary habits and food consumption patterns have long been a focus of interest for both researchers and healthcare professionals.In recent years, growing awareness of the role of nutrition in overall well-being, along with a noticeable rise in diet-related health problems, has intensified this focus.Furthermore, increased concern is surfacing regarding the effect of junk food has on the behavior patterns among children; however, there is limited evidence.The present questionnaire study aims to investigate the association between junk food consumption and behavioral issues among 10-15-year-old children attending schools in and around Rajanagaram, Andhra Pradesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,500 students using a validated dietary questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) adolescent self-report version.Junk food consumption (based on IAP guidelines) and behavioral categories were evaluated from the reported questionnaires, and the association between the two variables was analyzed statistically using Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests.Results: Moderate junk food consumption was reported by 71.3% of children, with 11.8% reporting severe intake.SDQ revealed 81.6% had abnormal behavior scores, predominantly hyperactivity (54.78%) and conduct problems (67.02%).Although Pearson correlation was statistically nonsignificant (p = 0.963), a trend of increased behavioral issues with higher junk food intake was observed.Conclusion: A high prevalence of behavioral disturbances was seen among children with moderate to severe junk food consumption.Educational and policy-based interventions focusing on nutrition are urgently needed.