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Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption are associated with behavioral problems among preschoolers: A population based
Menglong Geng1, Liu Jiang1, Xiaoyan Wu1
1Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
Insights
Higher sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake is linked to increased behavioral problems in Chinese preschoolers. This study highlights a significant association between SSB consumption and difficulties in young children.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Existing research indicates a link between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and behavioral issues.
- Limited data exists on this association specifically within the Chinese preschool population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between SSB consumption and behavioral problems in Chinese preschoolers.
- To assess the prevalence of SSB intake and its correlation with various behavioral difficulties.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey was conducted across 11 cities in China, involving 109 kindergartens.
- Caregiver-completed questionnaires assessed children's SSB consumption.
- Behavioral problems were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Clancy Autism Behavior Scale (CABS).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of consuming SSB at least once daily was 24.9%.
- Increased SSB consumption showed a significant positive association with elevated total difficulties, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and peer problems.
- No significant association was found for hyperactivity or prosocial behaviors, and no gender differences were observed.
Conclusions:
- Higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is positively associated with behavioral problems in Chinese preschoolers.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce SSB intake among young children in China.
Background:
Previous researches showed a positive association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and behavioral problems, but there is a little known in Chinese preschoolers.
Methods:
A population based survey was conducted in 109 kindergartens, in 11 cities across China. Children's SSB consumption was assessed by questionnaires completed by caregivers. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Clancy Autism Behavior Scale (CABS) were used to assessing the children's behavioral problems.
Result:
The prevalence of SSB consumption ≥ 1 time/day was 24.9%. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of having elevated total difficulties by increasing levels of SSB consumption were 1.00, 1.13 (1.05, 1.22) and 1.24 (1.10, 1.41) (P for trend < 0.001), respectivly. Similar results were found in emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, and CABS. No significantly increased the risk of hyperactivity and prosocial were observed for higher SSB consumption. No gender differences were found in these associations.
Limitations:
This is a cross-sectional survey and the causal relationship is unclear.
Conclusions:
Higher SSB consumption is positively associated with behavioral problems among preschoolers in China.
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