Food security and sustainable food consumption among adolescents in Malaysia: preliminary findings from the sustainable food consumption (SEASFC) study

Introduction: Adolescents worldwide are being affected by the inadequacies of global food systems. Poor diet quality contributing to malnutrition among adolescents globally, impacting their health and growth, and serving as the cornerstone for vibrant communities. This study aims to determine the food security status of adolescents and their knowledge, attitude and practices towards sustainable food consumption in the region. These preliminary findings are from the Southeast Asia Sustainable Food Consumption (SEASFC) study, focusing specifically on adolescents in Malaysia.
Methods: This research is a mixed- method study conducted across multiple centres, with participating sites in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In Malaysia, the cross-sectional study conducted in the Klang Valley, Malaysia with 682 adolescents participating. A self-administered questionnaire assessed food security status, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sustainable food consumption and dietary habits, which were further categorised and scored for climate friendly dietary scores (CFDS).
Results: Only 5.3% of the adolescents had low food security status, 9% were with good knowledge, while 48% and 44% of adolescents had low attitudes and practices regarding sustainable food consumption. Regarding CFDS, the adolescents in this study were practiced less climate friendly diet (-2.14 ± 2.31). Knowledge (r=0.132; p<0.001) and practices (r=0.148; p<0.001) regarding sustainable food consumption were positively correlated with climate-friendly dietary scores, while no relationships were found for attitude and food security scores.
Conclusion: Findings from this study provides an insight as baseline data for advancing sustainable food consumption and food security initiatives among adolescents in Malaysia.