O14 Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Youth in North Carolina

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among youth contributes to diet-related chronic disease including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor oral health. <h3>Objective</h3> Collect data to inform the development of a social marketing campaign aimed at reducing SSB consumption among youth age 11–17 in North Carolina (NC). <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Cross-sectional survey data collected from September 9, 2020 through September 30, 2020 using a national web-panel. Data collection focused on NC households that were SNAP eligible or included youth receiving free or reduced-priced school meals. An email was sent to parents of youth aged 11–17 years who provided consent for their child (who also assented) to participate in the survey. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Survey items asked respondents to report typical consumption of 5 different SSBs; report household characteristics and parental practices associated with SSB consumption; and answer a number of questions designed to assess willingness and self-efficacy related to not drink SSBs in settings where SSBs are commonly consumed. <h3>Results</h3> The majority (87%) of the 311 youth completed the survey reported drinking at least 1 SSB per day. Soda (40%) and fruit-flavored drinks (36%) were the mostly commonly consumed SSBs, while energy drinks (12%) were the least commonly consumed. Consumption patterns did not differ between younger (11–13 years) and older (14–17 years) youth. There was a strong association between perceived value of SSBs (ie, helps youth focus, gives youth a boost) and higher levels of consumption. For older but not younger youth, perceptions related to better health and reduction efficacy were associated with drinking fewer SSBs per week. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Findings provide a number of key insights that will contribute to the development of messages aimed at curbing SSB consumption. For example, the importance of youth perceived functional factors has not been well documented in the literature as a driver of SSB consumption.