Abstract P136: Access To Potable Water, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, And Central Obesity In Puerto Rico

Abstract

Introduction: To date, no studies have shown how access to potable water is related to beverage (sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB's) and water) intake, and obesity. Objective: To determine associations between access to potable water, and beverage intake, with obesity among adults residing in Puerto Rico (PR). Methods: Participants of a cross-sectional study of adults (n=248;30-75y) living in PR responded to questions about the type of water access and preference factors for choosing such type based on availability, appearance, cost, or taste. Beverage intake was assessed with a food-frequency questionnaire. Interviewers measured waist circumference; central obesity was defined as >102cm in men and >88cm in women. We used multivariable linear regression models to evaluate the association between type of access and preference factors for potable water and beverage intake. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between beverage intake and central obesity. Substitution analysis of one serving of water for one of SSB's was also performed. Results: Most participants (57%) reported drinking bottled water, 30.7% liked its taste, and 21% thought the water was clean/safe. Participants that reported cost and taste as factors for water selection had lower water intake than their counterparts (mean ± SE cost: 2.06 ± 0.19 vs. 2.76 ± 0.22; taste: 1.19 ± 0.15 vs. 1.85 ± 0.17 servings/d). Availability, appearance, or type of water source were not associated with beverage intake. Higher odds of central obesity were noted per serving/d of all SSB's (OR=1.23; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.47), and soda only (OR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.08, 2.13) (Table 1). Substituting one serving of water for soda was marginally associated with lower odds of central obesity (OR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.51, 1.03). Conclusions: Reducing soda intake and substituting it with water may be an appropriate approach to prevent central obesity in Puerto Rican adults. Measures to provide affordable and pleasantly tasting potable water may facilitate its intake.