Objective
We aimed to identify socio-demographic, lifestyle and behavioural determinants of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and artificially-sweetened beverages (ASBs) in adults in Cambridgeshire, UK.
Design
Cross-sectional data were obtained from a cohort of 9,991 adults born between 1950 and 1975. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess consumption of beverages and other dietary factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine potential determinants of consuming SSBs and ASBs (≥1 serving/day).
Setting
Recruitment from general practice surgeries to participate in the ongoing population-based Fenland Study
Subjects
Adults (n=9,991) aged 30-64 years from three areas of Cambridgeshire, UK.
Results
Prevalence estimates for daily SSB and ASB consumption were 20.4% (n=2,041) and 8.9% (n=893), respectively. SSB consumption was more common in men than women (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.17, 1.50), and among those reporting lower income (<£20,000/year) than those reporting higher income (>£40,000/year) (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09, 1.58). In contrast, daily ASB consumption was more common among women than men (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.34, 1.96), those on weight-loss diets than those who were not (OR 2.58; 95% CI 2.05, 3.24), and those reporting higher income than lower income (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.16, 2.00). Factors associated with higher consumption of each of SSBs and ASBs included being a younger adult, being overweight/obese, having shorter education, eating meals or snack foods while watching television, and skipping breakfast (p<0.05 each).
Conclusions
Frequent consumers of SSBs and ASBs differ by several socio-demographic characteristics. However, increased BMI, younger age, and unhealthy eating behaviours are common to both groups.