Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

adolescent nutrition, food perception, decision-making, students, mixed-method

Abstract

This study explored the role of food perception in shaping the nutritional choices and decision-making abilities of Grade 11 students at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach, data were gathered from 180 participants through Likert-scale questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative results indicated that taste, cost, and visual appeal were the strongest influences on students’ food choices, whereas peer pressure and packaging played a relatively insignificant role. Qualitative findings reinforced these outcomes, revealing that students tend to value practicality, nutritional benefits, and sensory satisfaction over social influences. Overall, the study found that adolescents’ food decisions are primarily guided by personal preferences and practical considerations, reflecting both their independence and growing nutritional awareness. It recommends strengthening nutritional education and creating supportive environments to help students make more informed food choices.

First Advisor

Dennis Y. Perona, RN, LPT

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