Evaluation of Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among Adults Attending City Center Nasiriyah Hospitals / Iraq

Abstract

Background: The widespread consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), particularly by adults in developing nations, contributes to increased diet-related health issues.  Food choices and consumption are influenced by several factors, including people's views toward food and their understanding of nutrition, which empowers them to make well-informed food choices. Objective: To assess adults' perceptions and understanding of SSBs who attend hospitals. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design utilizing a non-random convenient sampling technique, with a target sample of 384 participants, was employed to assess knowledge and perceptions regarding SSBs at four hospitals in Nasiriyah City, Thi-Qar Governorate / Iraq. The hospitals included were Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital, Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, Bint Al-Huda Teaching Hospital, and Al-Haboubi Teaching Hospital. This study was conducted from August 15, 2024, to January 20, 2025. Results: Most participants (92.7%) acknowledged the high sugar content of SSBs.  Furthermore, 62.8% of respondents thought manufactured sugars were worse than natural ones.  Additionally, only 26.8% of participants had a good awareness score, 28.9% had a poor knowledge score, and 44.3% had a fair knowledge score. The urgent need to improve health awareness in this area is highlighted by the fact that this level of knowledge is insufficient to improve the overall score to good. Furthermore, the study's findings show no statistically significant correlation between the overall cognitive score and specific sociodemographic traits (such as age groups, gender, and place of residence). On the other hand, other sociodemographic factors (such as educational level, socioeconomic status, and BMI categories) showed a statistically significant correlation, with a p-value of less than 0.001 for each of these parameters. Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that about half of the participants show a moderate level of understanding regarding SSBs. Factors such as participants' educational levels, occupational statuses, and body mass index (BMI) categories are crucial influences on their knowledge.