Relationship between total free Sugars Consumption and Incidence of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Up to date there are still few studies showing the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and free sugars consumption in adolescents. We consequently aimed to discover any association of free sugars consumption with LPR in Indonesian adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 middle school students in Jakarta, Indonesia. Data on age and gender were collected using a questionnaire, while body mass index was determined by anthropometric measurement. Free sugars consumption and LPR were evaluated by means of Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), respectively. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test at level of significance p <0.05. Results: Median age (min - max) was 16 (15 – 18) years, body mass index 19.8 (15.4 – 27.0) kg/m2, and free sugars consumption 6.7 (1.5 – 70.6) g/day. The prevalence of LPR was 14.3%. There was a statistically significant difference in free sugars consumption of the LPR negative versus the LPR positive groups (p< 0.049). Conclusion: Free sugars consumption was strongly related to laryngopharyngeal reflux incidence. There is a need for a policy on and monitoring of free sugars consumption to decrease its harmful impact on adolescent health. Keywords: free sugars, laryngopharyngeal reflux, adolescents, Indonesia