Abstract:

Purpose: Unhealthy dietary habits, such as high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages are major risk factors for chronic diseases, particularly if adopted during early adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and consumption pattern of SSBs and related sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among Somali students in Turkey. Methods: Participants of this analytical cross-sectional study were the Somali students living in Turkey, aged ≥ 18 years old, who were selected through an existing panel of Somali students obtained from the Somali Student Organization in Turkey. Results: A total of 325 students participated. 30.5% of students reported 2.2 + 1.07 regular servings of SSBs. Consumption of SSBs was associated with being single (92%) and studying at one of the non-health faculties (66.8%). Students of educated parents were more likely to consume SSBs (OR:2.86; 95%CI:1.00-8.12). Younger age students (59.5%) and undergraduates (53.8%) had a negative attitude and were more likely to consume SSBs. Health faculty students (p = 0.04) had a clear knowledge of the types of SSBs and their adverse effects. Conclusion: In this study, single students, non-health faculty students and students of highly educated parents were found to consume SSBs frequently, despite having good knowledge of adverse health effects.

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