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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.

Background: Consumption of excessive sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to non-communicable diseases. It is imperative to understand the perceptions regarding taxation and health warnings amongst the medical students, since they are important stakeholders and as there is some evidence that the government may introduce these soon. Objective was to document the awareness and perceptions about taxation and health warnings on SSBs and the predictors of decreasing consumption of SSBs with regards to their future implementation.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all the undergraduate medical students of a premier teaching hospital of central India during October and November 2019. A web-based self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection using Kobo toolbox. Data were analysed using the SPSS software version 24 (IBM SPSS).Results: About three fourths of the study participants were not aware of any taxes on SSBs and had never seen any health warning on SSB packaging. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that those aged ≥ 20 were not in favour of decreasing SSB consumption if health warning is present. Participants who were females, whose fathers were professionals, had consumed SSB in the previous seven days, were aware of taxes and those with inadequate sleep were not in favour of decreasing SSB consumption if taxes are increased.Conclusions: There is a need to include health education regarding the harmful effects of consumption of SSBs and to make aware of the benefits of the taxes and warning labels beginning from school days and continued during medical schools.