An In-Depth Exploration of Knowledge and Beliefs Associated with Soda and Diet Soda Consumption.

Caroline Miller,David Roder,Joanne Dono,Sarah Durkin,Simone Pettigrew,Gary Wittert,Jane Martin,John Coveney,Melanie Wakefield,Kerry Ettridge

doi:10.3390/nu12092841

Abstract

The need to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is widely accepted, but whether artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) are a recommended alternative is a growing policy issue because of emerging evidence of potential health effects associated with excess consumption. This study aimed to establish the extent of the Australian population’s knowledge of the risks associated with consuming SSBs (e.g., soda) and ASBs (e.g., diet soda), which is essential for identifying which facets of knowledge to target with public health interventions. A national computer-assisted telephone survey of 3430 Australian adults was conducted in 2017. The survey included a range of measures to test associations between SSB and ASB knowledge and beliefs, demographic characteristics, and soda and diet soda consumption. Participants had an overall awareness that there were health risks associated with SSB and ASB consumption, but they lacked more detailed knowledge of health effects and nutritional composition of these drinks. These knowledge gaps are concerning given that SSBs and ASBs are consumed in large quantities in Australia. Public health interventions targeting consumers’ limited knowledge and perceptions of health risks associated with excess sugar, calorie intake and artificial sweeteners are essential in reducing the health burden of obesity.

Highlights

Curbing population consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a public health priority [1]
44% and a response rate of 16%
The results showed that while most Australians had a general appreciation that daily consumption of sugary drinks would likely lead to future health problems, more detailed knowledge of potential health effects was largely lacking, which may be because this type of information is not readily accessible to consumers

Summary

Introduction

Curbing population consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a public health priority [1]. There are many substitutes for SSBs, including artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs). No- or low-sugar versions of beverages are heavily promoted by industry as an alternative to SSBs. Adding further complexity, there is a body of research suggesting that excess consumption of ASBs may lead to increased health risks, notably weight gain and Type 2 Diabetes [13,14]. Australians are among the highest consumers of ASBs, with sales data from 2000 to 2014 indicating that consumption rates are increasing [1]. The extent to which Australians perceive regular ASB consumption as a health risk is currently unknown

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Discussion

Conclusion