A cross-sectional study on online food delivery applications (OFDAs) in the United Arab Emirates: use and perceptions of healthy food availability among university students

Abstract

Online food delivery applications (OFDAs) have seen a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 Pandemic, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to assess the use of OFDAs and the perception of food healthiness and safety among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in the UAE via snowball sampling (n = 1096). Sociodemographic characteristics, OFDAs usage, and perceptions toward food healthiness and safety were investigated. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the association between categorical variables and healthy food choices. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to determine differences between different groups and perception statements. Over half (52%) of the students were frequent users of OFDAs with fast food being the most popular choice (88.4%). Older participants, those living in the university dorms, and those with higher allowances used the OFDAs more frequently (P < 0.05). Price (78.0%) and food appearance (65.7%) had the highest impact on food selection. Most subjects (69.3%) reported looking for healthy food but were worried about affordability (43.1%) and taste (27.1%). Most participants (57.8%) agreed that OFDAs increased their appetite and food intake. Participants believed that having a hygiene rating system in OFDAs would give them the chance to make informed decisions (82.3%). Unhealthy food options were popular among university students. The study highlights the need to provide more affordable and appealing healthy food options and suggests that improved nutrition information and hygiene standards could help to promote healthy food choices among university students.

Keywords: Consumers’ perceptions; Food choices; Food delivery application; Healthy food availability; Online food environment.

Fig. 1.

Most OFDAs used (n = 1096). (Multiple responses were allowed; others include Uber Eats, Eat Clean me, EatEasy, Careem now, Instashop, Carriage, and restaurant apps).

Fig. 2.

Most ordered cuisine (n = 1096). (Multiple responses were allowed).

Fig. 3.

Perception of a healthy meal when using OFD applications among participants (n = 1096). Multiple responses were allowed.

Fig. 4.

Concerns about ordering a healthy food choice among participants (n = 1096).

Fig. 5.

Perceptions about healthy food ordering through the OFD applications (n = 1096).

Fig. 6.

Perceptions about food safety and hygiene while ordering through the online food applications (n = 1096).