Prevalence, patterns, clinico-social, and behavioral factors associated with the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among undergraduate medical students of central India

Introduction: Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in adolescents has become a global issue. As its link to obesity and noncommunicable diseases is clear, it is imperative to understand SSB consumption behaviors in the future health-care professionals. The objective of this study is to document the prevalence, patterns, and clinico-social and behavioral factors predicting high intake of SSBs among medical students. Material and Methods: This 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 between October and November 2019 were included in this study. The semi-structured questionnaire enquired regarding socio-demographic, clinical details, amount, behavioral patterns, and money spent in connection with SSB consumption. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24. Results: The mean age of participants was 19.3 ± 1.6 years, 71.7% being males. The current prevalence of SSB consumption was 90.5%. Furthermore, 49.9% and 29.1% of participants preferred soft drinks and sweetened fruit juice, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.83, (1.03–3.25), current alcohol consumption (aOR: 4.09, 1.25–13.42), and recent (last week) consumption of a SSB predicted high intake of SSBs [aOR: 7.36, (3.41–15.87)] whereas, preference of energy/sports category of drinks predicted low intake of SSBs [aOR 0.10, (0.02–0.47)]. Conclusion: The consumption of SSBs among medical students was high. Targeted health education and behavior change interventions should be provided to males, alcohol users, and frequent consumers.