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Sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with added sugars intake among US adults
Since reducing intake of added sugars was one of the Healthy People 2020 objectives, Park et al. (2016) investigated the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics associated with added sugar consumption among US adults (18 years and over). Using the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (n = 24,967) dietary screener frequency responses, the participants’ daily intake of added sugars were converted to estimated numbers of teaspoons. Among men, the median added sugars intake was estimated at 17.6 tsp/day while it was 11.7 tsp/day among the women. Considering both genders, those at significantly higher risk of being in the highest tertile of added sugars consumption (defined as ≥22.0 tsp/d for men; ≥14.6 tsp/d for women) were younger, less educated, earned less income, less physically active, current smokers, and former/current infrequent/light drinkers. Whereas, non-Hispanic other/multiracial individuals and those living in the West had significantly lower odds for being in the highest tertile of added sugars intake. Various other patterns were observed by sex: non-Hispanic black men were less likely to be in the highest tertile of added sugars intake, whereas non-Hispanic black women were at greater risk. In summary, one in three men consumed ≥22.0 tsp added sugars and one in three women had daily diets consisting of ≥14.6 tsp added sugars. The researchers hope the data can help inform efforts to design programs and policies specific to high-intake populations. [NPID: sugar, processed food, education, income, smoking, cigarettes]
Year: 2016
