Knowledge, Attitude And Practices towards Sugar-Sweetened Beverages amongst Adolescents in Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: The escalating consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has emerged as a pivotal contributor to the rise in diet-related health issues, particularly affecting young adults and adolescents in developed and developing nations. Despite the acknowledged impact of attitudes and nutritional knowledge on food choices, a substantial data gap persists in understanding their association with the consumption behaviour of Ghanaian adolescents, particularly in the context of SSBs. This study aimed to investigate the types and frequencies of SSBs consumed by secondary school students in Cape Coast, Ghana, while concurrently assessing their nutritional knowledge and attitudes toward SSBs consumption.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 393 randomly selected students from three different second cycle schools. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, encompassing SSBs consumption patterns, nutritional knowledge, and attitudes. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 facilitated data analysis, employing descriptive and chi-square analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 

Results: Descriptive statistics unveiled a proportion (57.5%) of respondents exhibiting a high level of SSBs consumption. Concerning nutritional knowledge, 55.7% displayed moderate knowledge of SSBs consumption, while 52.9% held positive attitudes toward SSBs consumption. Bivariate correlation analysis indicated no significant association between BMI-for-age, knowledge level, and SSBs consumption levels.

Conclusions: Despite a moderate level of nutritional knowledge among students, the evidence showed a high prevalence of SSBs consumption. concerted actions, including restricting SSBs availability in schools and public places, coupled with initiatives promoting healthier beverage choices, are warranted and should involve government, organizations, and the community.

Keywords: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Adolescents, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices