Snacking and sweetened beverage consumption among adolescents in Sagamu, Southwest Nigeria
ISSN: 0034-6659
Article publication date: 23 April 2018
Issue publication date: 14 May 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in the developing world has remained a cause of concern for health workers. Childhood and adolescent obesity is on the increase as a result of several issues including dietary habits. This paper aims to assess the pattern of snacking and sweetened beverage consumption among in-school adolescents in Sagamu, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was carried out among 620 in-school adolescents, selected via multi-stage sampling, using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated, with p < 0.05.Participation was fully voluntary and strict confidentiality ensured.
Findings
All respondents consumed sugar-sweetened beverages, at different regularity; 78.5 per cent preferred carbonated drinks; 44.2 per cent consumed energy drinks, with a significant difference between males and females regarding the pattern of consumption of sweetened beverages (p = 0.042) and reasons for the choice of drinks (p = 0.009). Almost all (95.3 per cent) respondents snacked at varying frequencies, with more women (97.2 per cent) snacking than men (p = 0.008). Over 51.7 per cent of respondents snacked daily with no significant difference (p = 0.147) between males and females respondents regarding frequency of snacking. Pies and pastries were most frequently consumed. There was a significant difference (p = 0.007) between the preferences of male and female respondents.
Originality/value
The consumption of refined sugars was high among respondents, indicating presence of unhealthy dietary habits. Concerted efforts at nutrition education through the school system should be made to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among adolescents.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the assistance of our colleague, Dr Adesoji Tade during data management. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The study was fully financed by the authors, with no form of external assistance whatsoever. All authors were involved in the study. Sholeye and Animasahun conceptualized, designed the study and wrote the manuscript. Oduwole and Salako were involved with data management and assessing the work for scientific excellence. All authors fully consented to the submission of the manuscript for publication.
Citation
Sholeye, O.O., Animasahun, V.J., Salako, A.A. and Oduwole, A.D. (2018), "Snacking and sweetened beverage consumption among adolescents in Sagamu, Southwest Nigeria", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 48 No. 3, pp. 442-452. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-08-2017-0173
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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