Factors associated with eating out of home in Vietnamese adolescents

Eating out of home (OH) is nutritionally important in some developing countries. This study identifies the factors associated with eating OH in Vietnamese adolescents. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional cluster survey of 502 adolescents in rural and urban areas in Vietnam. Factors associated with eating OH were recorded with a Likert scale and analysed using factor analysis. Data on eating OH was collected using a frequency questionnaire and a 1-day 24 h recall. A first pattern “Convenience” incorporated preparation time, price, variety, taste, proximity and social aspects as items associated with eating OH. A second pattern “Nutritional and food safety concerned” reflected concerns with regard to hygiene, fat and salt content of the food prepared OH. Adolescents characterised by the convenience pattern were more likely (OR =1.51, P < 0.001) to eat OH more frequently. The highest tertile of the Nutritional and food safety concerned pattern was less likely (OR = 0.61, P = 0.03) to eat OH compared to lower tertiles. Both patterns were not associated with the % energy from eating OH per day. Convenience and to a lesser extent Nutritional and food safety concerns are significant factors associated with the frequency of eating OH in Vietnamese adolescents.

► Eating out of home (OH) is important in Vietnam and a potential effective way to improve diets.
► We analysed the associated factors of eating OH in Vietnamese adolescents.
► We identified a pattern of “Convenience” and “Nutritional and food safety concerned” for eating OH.
► Both patterns were associated with higher frequencies of eating OH.
► The patterns were not associated with higher energy intake from foods prepared OH.