Madiba, Thomas KhomotjoBhayat, AhmedNkambule, Ntombizodwa Rosemary2018-08-032018-08-032017-11-30Madiba 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:S137-42.2231-0762 (print)2250-1002 (online)10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_306_17http://hdl.handle.net/2263/66083AIMS 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.en© 2018 Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License.Sugar‑sweetened beverages (SSBs)ConsumptionAttitudeKnowledgeBody mass index (BMI)Undergraduate studentsHealth sciences articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingHealth sciences articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationHealth sciences articles SDG-06SDG-06: Clean water and sanitationArticle