Junk Food Consumption and Child Health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Econometric Analysis with Agricultural and Food Policy Implications

Vollständiger Abstract

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Rising consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor junk food among Pakistani children is increasing public health risks and contributing to the burden of undernutrition and overnutrition. Evidence on behavioral and socioeconomic factors influencing junk food consumption in Pakistan remains limited, particularly its connection with agricultural and food-systems policy. This study examines associations between junk food consumption, media and advertising exposure, parental nutritional awareness, and caregiver-reported health outcomes among children aged 3–14 years in Swabi District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Using primary data from 100 caregivers recruited through convenience sampling at a single clinic, Probit and Logit models were estimated for a binary health-outcome indicator based on caregiver-reported overweight/obesity, dental problems, or persistent fatigue. Model diagnostics indicated adequate fit and specification. Frequent junk food consumption, defined as more than three times weekly, was associated with a 27.6 percentage-point higher probability of health issues (p