Knowledge and awareness on consumption of bubble tea towards obesity and caries risks: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Bubble tea has become a top-notch favourite among millennials worldwide. Bubble tea is a significant source of sugar in the diet, and its consumption is increasing in most countries. This study aims to determine the knowledge and awareness of the consumption of bubble tea towards obesity and caries risks among young adults. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire. A convenience sampling method was used in this study. The questionnaire assessed the respondents' bubble tea consumption, their knowledge and awareness of the implication of obesity, and caries risk from consuming bubble tea. Results: A total of 387 young adults aged between 20-29 years old (98.7%) were included in the study. The majority were female (56.8%), of Malay ethnicity (91.7%), and had high education levels (87.3%). Most respondents (n=283, 73.1%) rarely consumed bubble tea in this study. The respondents' most consumed bubble tea brand was Tealive (61.8%). A statistically significant association was found among the respondents between awareness of sugar content in bubble tea and its adverse effects on health (ϰ2 = 9.448, p=0.002). Conclusion: Most young adults rarely drink bubble tea however; they have limited knowledge and self-awareness of the implications for obesity from calorie intake and caries risk from sugar in bubble tea.