Patterns and determinants of aerated drinks consumption among adolescents in India: analysis of National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) data

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the consumption pattern of aerated drinks and examine its determinants among adolescents’ boys and girls (15–19 years) in India. Design/methodology/approach The fifth round of National Family Health Survey (2019-2021) data was examined applying sample weights. Pattern of consumption and its determinants was analysed separately for boys and girls using binary logistic regression and calculating adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence interval. Findings The daily, weekly and occasionally consumption of aerated drinks was 4.4%, 22.7%, 63% for boys and 2.9%, 14%, 70.8% for girls, respectively. Factors such as secondary/higher education [Boys AOR = 1.5, (1.2–1.9) (p = 0.001); Girls AOR = 1.2, (1.1–1.2) (p < 0.001)]; rich wealth index [Boys AOR = 1.8, (1.6–2.1) (p < 0.001); Girls AOR = 1.3, (1.3–1.4) (p < 0.001)]; fried food consumption [Boys AOR = 11.1, (9.5–12.9) (p < 0.001); Girls AOR = 11.5, (10.8–12.3) (p < 0.001)]; and watching television [Boys AOR = 1.5, (2.3–1.7) (p < 0.001); Girls AOR = 1.3, (1.3–1.4) (p < 0.001)] were found significant predictors of aerated drink consumption among adolescents. Originality/value The authors noted differences in consumption pattern between adolescents’ boys and girls. A shift to occasional consumption from weekly and daily was also observed. A further decrease in consumption may requires gender and region-specific health-promotion interventions. Rationalising sugar-sweetened beverages taxation adhering World Health Organisation’s recommendation to reduce affordability may be further researched in the Indian context. Furthermore, sale and consumption of traditional and locally available fruits, vegetables and healthy beverages may be warranted.

Consumption of packaged food and associated factors among adults aged 18–30 years: a cross-sectional study in Kerala

“…According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-2021, among Indians aged 15-54 years, the prevalence of consumption of SSB and fried food at least once a week was 20% and 44%, respectively [International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) and ICF, 2021]. A recent study from India reported that in the 15-19 year demographics > 89% of boys and > 86% of girls consumed sweetened sugary beverages (Jeena et al, 2023).…”