Changes of sweet beverage and unhealthy food consumption among infant and young child aged 6-24 months old in China

Abstract

To describe the change of sweet beverage and unhealthy food consumption among infant and young child aged 6-23 months in 2013, 2016-2017, China. Data was from the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance among Children and Lactating Women in 2013, 2016-2017.9983, 20 423 children aged 6-23 months old were involved respectively. The sweet beverage and unhealthy food consumption was analyzed with WHO and UNICEF 2021 updated infant and young child feeding indicators. Data analyses were conducted using the complex weight based on national census from National Bureau of Statistics in 2010. Rao-Scott Chi-square was used test for statistical difference. The proportions of sweet beverage consumption among children aged 6-23 months was 20.2%(95%CI 16.0%-24.4%) in 2013; it was 29.6% in large cities, and 14.0% in poor rural areas, but there was no significant difference in different areas. Compared with 2013, the proportions of sweet beverage consumption increased significantly in 2016-2017, reaching 51.7%(95%CI 48.9%-54.4%); it was 54.1% in medium and small cities, and 44.3% in large cities. The proportions of unhealthy food consumption among children aged 6-23 months was 31.2%(95%CI 23.2%-39.3%) in 2013; it was 46.3% in medium and small cities, and 16.3% in poor rural areas. Compared with 2013, the proportions of unhealthy food consumption was 35.6%(95%CI 33.6%-39.3%) in 2016-2017, and no significant difference was observed(Rao-Scott χ~2=0.96, P=0.33); It was 38.6% in medium and small cities, and reached 30% in large cities and poor rural areas. For those 2 indicators at the same survey, no consistent differences were observed between boys and girls and there was significant difference in various months of age(P<0.01). In China, the proportion of sweet beverage consumption among children aged 6-23 months has increased significantly, and the intake of unhealthy food is relatively stable. Children aged over 12 months and in rural areas need to be concerned about.