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Understanding Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages by Adolescents with Dental Caries

Mitko, Veronica Ann
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1434205745

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Dentistry.
Purpose: Sugar consumption habits are difficult to change, and evidence is accumulating that sugar can be addictive. This was a pilot study of adolescents' sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption patterns and how underlying behavioral determinants relate to caries status. Methods: A survey was designed by adapting validated instruments from food and addiction research. Questions measured indicators of addiction, perception of caries risk and liking of different beverages. We also measured SSB consumption measures of quantity, frequency, variety, and context of use. The survey included an interview and a written portion. Subjects also completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR), a widely used tool for assessing psychopathology in adolescents. Subjects were grouped by caries severity and also by exposure time to beverages. Groups were compared using chi-square or ANOVA. Purpose: Sugar consumption habits are difficult to change, and evidence is accumulating that sugar can be addictive. This was a pilot study of adolescents’ sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption patterns and how underlying behavioral determinants relate to caries status. Methods: A survey was designed by adapting validated instruments from food and addiction research. Questions measured indicators of addiction, perception of caries risk and liking of different beverages. We also measured SSB consumption measures of quantity, frequency, variety, and context of use. The survey included an interview and a written portion. Subjects also completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR), a widely used tool for assessing psychopathology in adolescents. Subjects were grouped by caries severity and also by exposure time to beverages. Groups were compared using chi-square or ANOVA. Results: One hundred and ten subjects (mean age=15yr) completed surveys: 38 caries-free, 40 mild caries, and 32 severe caries. Subjects with caries showed a trend toward liking sweet drinks more than healthy subjects (P=.09) and reported greater awareness of caries risk (P=.04). They also exhibited more addictive traits such as a greater desire to reduce consumption (P=.04). Surprisingly, groups did not differ significantly for self-reported measures of frequency or amount. However, self-reported amounts were inconsistent with contextual data elicited from the interview. Considering their more negative perception of their beverage consumption, this suggests under-reporting in the caries group. We also discovered that adolescents in the highest exposure group liked SSB (P<0.01) and disliked water (P<0.04). They also had significantly larger means for all except one of the problem scales in the YSR (P<0.02). Conclusions: These data suggest that adolescents with caries exhibit some signs of addiction to sugar-sweetened beverages, are aware of caries risk, and may be reluctant to admit the extent of their consumption. Additionally, adolescents who consume the most SSB may suffer from behavioral, psychological and social problems.
Ann Griffen (Advisor)
Erin Gross (Committee Member)
John Clapp (Committee Member)
37 p.
Dental Care; Dentistry; Nutrition; Psychology
sugar-sweetened beverages; adolescents; dental caries; sugar addiction

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mitko, V. A. (2015). Understanding Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages by Adolescents with Dental Caries [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1434205745

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mitko, Veronica. Understanding Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages by Adolescents with Dental Caries . 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1434205745.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mitko, Veronica. "Understanding Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages by Adolescents with Dental Caries ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1434205745

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1434205745
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.