The relationship between food fear and functional foods among health high school students

This study aimed to determine the level of food neophobia in high school adolescents and to examine the relationship between this fear and their attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding functional food consumption. Designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study, the research was conducted during the 2024–2025 academic year in two vocational health high schools located in Bitlis, Türkiye. A total of 502 students participated in the study. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, health status form, the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), and the Functional Food Usage Scale (FFUS). According to the findings, the mean score for food neophobia was 40.85±15.09, while the total score on the functional food usage scale was 63.11±13.08. Female students had significantly higher scores in functional food use compared to males (p=0.003), although no significant gender difference was observed in food neophobia scores (p=0.190). Students who reported consuming snacks had significantly higher levels of both food neophobia (p=0.005) and functional food usage (p=0.000). A weak but significant positive correlation was found between functional food usage scores and food neophobia levels (r=0.109; p=0.016). These findings suggest that food neophobia is a relevant psychological factor influencing adolescents' dietary behaviors and may play a role in shaping their willingness to consume functional foods. Educational interventions targeting food neophobia may be beneficial in promoting more diverse and healthier eating habits among adolescents. Keywords: Food neophobia, functional foods, adolescent nutrition, food fear, dietary behavior