Self‑reported knowledge, attitude and consumption of sugar‑sweetened beverages among undergraduate oral health students at a university in South Africa

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Authors

Madiba, Thomas Khomotjo
Bhayat, Ahmed
Nkambule, Ntombizodwa Rosemary

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and consumption of sugar‑sweetened beverages (SSBs) and its association with body mass index (BMI) among undergraduate oral health students. MATERIALS AND METHODS : A cross‑sectional design was used and the study was conducted at a South African dental university. Undergraduate dental and oral hygiene students (n = 344) registered in 2015 were invited to participate. A self‑administered questionnaire was used to elicit the necessary information. Data analysis included frequencies and correlations using Chi‑square tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS : The response rate was 88% (301) and the mean age was 22.3 years (range: 17–42; standard deviation ±3.2). The majority were female (72%) and 70% of respondents had an acceptable level of knowledge on the types of SSBs and possible health conditions if consumed excessively. Almost half (46%) had a positive attitude toward the consumption of SSBs. Clinical students had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared to nonclinical students (P = 0.03). Participants consumed an average of six teaspoons (±9.5) of sugar from SSBs daily. Those with poor knowledge and attitude consumed significantly more SSBs (P < 0.01) than those with higher levels of knowledge and attitude. Males were significantly more obese and overweight than females (P < 0.01). There was no association between the amount of sugar consumed from SSBs and the BMI. CONCLUYSIONS : The knowledge and attitude toward SSBs was acceptable. Although sugar consumption from SSBs was relatively high, there was no significant correlation between the consumption of SSBs and the BMI.

Description

Keywords

Sugar‑sweetened beverages (SSBs), Consumption, Attitude, Knowledge, Body mass index (BMI), Undergraduate students

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Madiba T.K., Bhayat A., Nkambule N.R. Self‑reported knowledge, attitude and consumption of sugar‑sweetened beverages among undergraduate oral health students at a university in South Africa. Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry 2017;7:S137-42.