Prevalence, Patterns, Clinico-social and Behavioural factors associated with the Consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages among Undergraduate Medical Students of Central India

BackgroundExcessive consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in adolescents has become a global issue. As its link to obesity and non-communicable diseases is clear, it is imperative to understand SSB consumption behaviours in the future healthcare professionals. ObjectiveTo document the prevalence, patterns and clinic-social and behavioural factors predicting high intake of SSBs among medical students. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-reported, web-based, questionnaire. All the students and interns who were part of a publicly funded premiere teaching hospital during October and November 2019 were included. The semi-structured questionnaire enquired regarding socio-demographic, clinical details, amount, behavioural patterns and money spent in connection with SSB consumption. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 24. ResultsThe mean (SD) age of participants was 19.3 (1.6) years, 71.7% being males. The current prevalence of SSB consumption was 90.5 %. Also, 49.9% and 29.1% participants preferred soft drinks and sweetened fruit juice respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that male gender (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.03-3.25), current alcohol consumption (aOR 4.09, 95% CI 1.25-13.42), and recent (last week) consumption of a SSB predicted high intake of SSBs (aOR 7.36, 95% CI 3.41-15.87) whereas, preference of energy/sports category of drinks predicted low intake of SSBs (aOR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.47). ConclusionThe consumption of SSBs among medical students was high. Targeted health education and behaviour change interventions should be provided to males, alcohol users and frequent consumers.