Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: The increased availability of online food delivery services may influence dietary behaviors, especially among young adults. This study examines the relationship between health-related behaviors, such as body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity, and mental health, with the number of weekly food delivery orders and the amount spent weekly.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,600 students at the University of Piraeus in Greece. The following data were collected: BMI, smoking status, physical activity, mental health status (anxiety or depression severity), and the weekly number of online food delivery orders along with the amount spent (in euros). BMI was examined as both a continuous and categorical variable (i.e., pre-defined BMI categories). Due to non-normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk Test p<0.001), non-parametric methods were applied. Specifically, the relationship between the continuous and categorical variables was evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum tests were conducted for statistically significant results. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the association between continuous variables.
RESULTS: Frequent physical activity was associated with fewer orders and lower spending (both p<0.001). Compared to non-smokers, smokers ordered and spent significantly more (p<0.001). Pre-defined BMI categories were not significantly associated with the weekly number of orders (p=0.051). However, they were associated with the amount spent (p=0.025). BMI values were positively and significantly correlated with the number of orders (p=0.00085) and amount spent (p=0.013). Severe anxiety or depression was associated with higher spending (p=0.019).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study emphasize that specific lifestyle indicators may play a pivotal role in consumption patterns. These findings could inform future policies and programs aimed at promoting healthy eating habits.