Consumption Pattern of Sugar Sweetened Beverages and the Relationship with Anthropometric Indices and Fasting Blood Sugar of Undergraduates in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are drinks with added sugars that are increasingly popular among young people. Consumption of SSB  is associated with increased energy intake, weight gain, overweight and obesity, development of several non-communicable diseases and  poor oral health. 

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the consumption of SSB among university students and determine its  relationship with body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). 

Methods: A cross-sectional institution- based survey was conducted among 400 undergraduates selected through multistage random sampling from sixteen departments in the  University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Questionnaire, anthropometric and FBG measurements were data collection methods used. Data were  analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions, version 20. Relationships among categorical variables were analysed through chi  square. Significance was accepted at P< 0.05. 

Results: Most (97.0%) of the respondents consumed SSB. Carbonated drinks were the most  commonly consumed (81.0%). Occasional (43.1%) and 4-6 times weekly (37.6%) consumption were observed; 39.7% consumed 350 ml at a  time. SSB replaced meals for 39.0% and the meal often replaced was lunch (65.1%). Biscuit (61.8%), bread (57.3%) and buns (56.3%)  were snacks consumed with SSB. Overweight (33.3%), obesity (6.1%), high risk WHR (8.5%) and impaired FBG (2.3%) were observed. BMI,  WHR and FBG were not significantly (P>0.05) associated with SSB consumption. 

Conclusion: Consumption of SSB was high, however, no  significant relationship was observed between BMI, WHR, FBG and consumption of SSB. This notwithstanding, excessive consumption  should be discouraged through nutrition education on the consequences of long term consumption.