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