Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption among University of Ghana Students

Abstract

Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a major risk factor for obesity and other non- communicable diseases. more so for a country undergoing nutrition transition such as Ghana. This study look a multistage cluster sample of 329 students of the University of Ghana to determine the frequency, quantity and context of SSB consumption among the students. The sample included 94% undergraduates, 41 % females, and 54% young adults (21-25 year). Anthropometric measurements indicated that 25% of the students were overweight. A Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to describe all beverages consumed by the Students over a period of one month. The results indicate that the majority (96%) of the students had consumed some amount of SSB in the put month, with 35% reporting daily consumption. fruit drinks, carbonated drinks. and energy drinks were the most common types of SSB consumed. Consumption Level was high across all groups of students. The majority of students accessed their SSB, from campus, with 57% obtaining them from restaurants and pubs, 33% from supermarkets. and 30% from table-top vendors. Socio-economic and attitudinal factors of students significantly predicted the amount of SSB calories consumed (p < 0.01). Students who found it more difficult drinking less SSB, those who spent more hours watching TV, and those who perceive SSBs as good source of energy consumed more SSB calories than other students; while students who depended regularly on handouts consumed less calories of SSBs than those who did not. Given the high consumption of SSBs among students, a more concerted effort is needed to sensitize students on the risk factors of non-communicable diseases.