Food neophobia among university students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey of prevalence and predictor analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Due to the absence of scientific information on food neophobia (i.e., fear or reluctance to try new or unfamiliar foods) among young adults in Saudi Arabia, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of food neophobia in Saudi university students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 480 students from two public universities of Saudi Arabia. The data was collected via an internet-based structured questionnaire. Participants' sociodemographic, health and behavioral information were included as explanatory variables (15 variables). Participants' food neophobia was assessed using a10-item validated food neophobia scale. A logistic regression model was fitted to find out the predictors of food neophobia.

Results

Approximately hal

SUBMITTER: Alshahrani NZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11996773 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature