Future of Food: Journal on Food

A Qualitative Study on the Usage of Food Enhancers in Home Food Preparation among the Young Working Women in Malaysia

Ain Maisarah Samad
Spectrum International College of Technology
Mohd Salehuddin Mohd Zahari
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Hairul Nizwan Abdul Majid
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah
Universiti Teknologi MARA

This paper explores the usage of food enhancers in food preparation among young working women in Malaysia. In this qualitative study, the study informants were drafted using purposive snowball strategy to take part in a semi-structured interview. The data were recorded and analysed accordingly to the research aims. Majority of the informants claimed that they used food enhancer to enhance the flavour and taste of the food while reducing cooking time, minimise preparation processes and time spent in the kitchen. As they understand the effect of food enhancers, the informants claimed they do try to avoid the usage of food enhancers and only will opt it whenever their cooking time is scarce. The study contributes to a growing literature on the consumption of food enhancers among the young generation. Its findings reinforce the need for public awareness to promote controlled consumption of food enhancers and additives, especially among modern households. 

Keywords : Food Enhancers ,Home Food Preparation ,Usage ,Young generation ,Working Women .

Myanmar High School Students’ Perceptions of College and International Readiness in Western Society

Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
International students are more likely to experience mental health issues and increased stress. Mental health is often surrounded by negative societal stigmas that act as barriers to seeking support and tend to lead to greater mental health concerns. International students tend to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers rather than seeking out counseling services. However, this study shows that LGBTQIA+ international students were less likely to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers due to fear of their sexual orientation being discovered and their families finding out about their identity. This study examines how LGBTQIA+ international students talk about their experiences on and off campus in relations to their socioemotional well-being. Specifically, this study sought to better understand the complexities of LGBTQIA+ students’ identities, and the challenges they faced in terms of their socioemotional well-being. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords : international students, socioemotional well-being, mental health, identity development, intersectionality, LGBTQIA