The Antecedents of Food Spending Habits among University Students

Abstract

In an era of shifting cultural, economic, and dietary landscapes, the study of food spending habits has become extremely important. There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the financial constraints faced by students and how these limitations impact on their food spending choices. This study examines the underlying factors and determinants that influence the food spending habits of students within the context of higher education. The main objective of this study was to examine the antecedents of students’ food spending habits. A set of questionnaires was distributed to 107 students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam and analyzed. The result demonstrated that all independent variables (promotional advertisements, personal preferences, and cultural trends) tested in this study have a significant impact on students' food spending habits. Findings from this study would be beneficial to policymakers, businesses in the food industry, and educational institutions in promoting healthier and sustainable food spending habits among students. Hence, it is expected that it can provide valuable insights into various aspects of an individual’s life and the broader economy.