Table 4 Perceptions related to food environments in 10–12 years old adolescents in Mumbai (n (%) reporting strongly agree/agree#)
Perceptions | Overall (n = 712) | Public School (n = 328) | Private School (n = 384) | χ2 | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Perceived Susceptibility & Severity | |||||
 Unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of health problems | 432 (60.7) | 172 (52.4) | 260 (67.7) | 17.324 |  < 0.001** |
 I can become sick if I don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables | 318 (44.7) | 134 (40.9) | 184 (47.9) | 3.521 | 0.063 |
 Children cannot get diabetes or have high blood pressure | 308 (43.3) | 118 (36.0) | 190 (49.5) | 13.115 | 0.003* |
Perceived Benefits | |||||
 Fruits can fight infections | 567 (79.6) | 272 (82.9) | 295 (76.8) | 4.049 | 0.054 |
 Vegetables are good for the eyes, bones, and brain | 512 (71.9) | 276 (84.1) | 236 (61.5) | 44.669 |  < 0.001** |
 Eating breakfast every day will help me to study better in school | 458 (64.3) | 209 (63.7) | 249 (64.8) | 0.093 | 0.760 |
 Eating less unhealthy snacks will keep me fit and strong | 587 (82.4) | 288 (87.8) | 299 (77.9) | 11.971 |  < 0.001** |
Perceived Barriers | |||||
 Snacks brought from home become cold and unpleasant | 625 (87.8) | 285 (86.9) | 340 (88.5) | 0.421 | 0.516 |
 Fruits are not available at the school canteen | 478 (67.1) | 238 (72.6) | 240 (62.5) | 8.169 | 0.004* |
 Healthy food items (eg fruits/milkshakes) sold in school are expensive | 359 (50.4) | 189 (57.6) | 170 (44.3) | 12.500 | 0.003* |
 The homecooked foods are always the same and boring | 542 (76.1) | 243 (74.1) | 299 (77.9) | 1.414 | 0.236 |
 Salads are rarely served with meals at home | 390 (54.8) | 219 (66.8) | 171 (44.5) | 35.462 |  < 0.001** |
Readiness to Change | |||||
 I try to eat fruits in between my meals every day | 418 (58.7) | 162 (49.4) | 256 (66.7) | 2.624 | 0.005* |
 I want to improve my snacking habits | 289 (40.6) | 119 (36.3) | 170 (44.3) | 4.687 | 0.031* |
Self -efficacy | |||||
 I have enough knowledge to make healthy food choices | 456 (64.0) | 196 (59.8) | 260 (67.7) | 4.789 | 0.028* |
 I can prepare a snack or have fruit as a snack at home | 301 (42.3) | 132 (40.2) | 169 (44.0) | 1.045 | 0.306 |