What Proportion of Preschool-Aged Children Consume Sweetened Beverages?

BACKGROUNDObesity affects nearly 17% of US children and youth 2-19years old and 10% of infants and toddlers under the age of 2years. One strategy for addressing obesity is to discourage sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Compared with their older school-aged counterparts, children 5years depend largely on parents for the purchase and serving of SSBs. Therefore, recognizing parental factors associated with children's intake of SSBs is important. METHODSThis study used cross-sectional data from parents of children 5years old to examine SSB consumption and associated factors. Elements of the Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action facilitated data analysis and interpretation. RESULTSThe most consistent predictor of SSB intake was child age. Nearly 94% of children aged 3-5years consumed sweetened milk products, 88% consumed fruity drinks, 63% consumed sodas, and 56% consumed sports drinks and sweet tea. Adjusting for all other factors, the only parental psychosocial factor associated with SSB intake was self-efficacy (predicting fruity drinks consumption). CONCLUSIONSMore children drink SSBs as they get older. Interventions designed to prevent SSB consumption should occur early, before children reach preschool age. Additional study of parental factors influencing SSB intake in early childhood is recommended.