Prediction of sugar behaviour

The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of sugar consumption in terms of personal and environmental variables. The study group comprised 127 14-year-old schoolchildren in Aarhus. Data were collected by means of semistructured interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Forward selection multiple regression analysis was the analytical method of choice, and the relationships were interpreted using the problem behaviour theory. The results showed that environmental variables were more important than personal variables for sugar consumption. In particular, degree of peer orientation was closely linked to sugar consumption (beta = 0.29). The full model including both sets of variables explained 14.5 per cent of the variance in sugar consumption. Sugar consumption seems to be a way of demonstrating adherence to and identification with peer group norms for adolescents at this age.