Influences on Fluid Intake according to Preferences, Parental Permission and Nutritional Awareness among Male Brazilian Teens– the Fitfood study
Authors: Machado Rachel HV , Iglesia Iris , Martinelli Caroline , Rocha Ana Carolina Lavio , Hartwick Carol Anne , Pires Ana , Fisberg Mauro , Moreno Luis 
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Increased consumption of sweetened beverages and low water intake among adolescents have been reported worldwide and are considered a risk factor for chronic diseases, such as overweight. Many factors influence eating behaviours in youth, such as family environment and awareness. This makes the investigation of influences on eating patterns important to the development of intervention strategies.

Objectives

To describe preferences, parental permission to consumption and awareness of recommendations regarding fluid intake of Brazilian adolescents, and to seek association of these factors with consumption.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study with 1.190 Brazilian males aged 10–12, enrolled in a soccer tournament, with consent from parents. Water and sugary beverage preferences, consumption levels (mL/day) and situations along with family consent for the purchase and consumption of sugary beverages, personal beliefs and daily intake recommendations (EFSA, 2010) were assessed through a self‐administered questionnaire, adapted from Stralen et al (2011). MANCOVA, chi‐squared test and logistic regression were performed, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

Preference for sugary drinks increased by 7.5 times, and for water decreased by 1/3 at home in relation to school (p=0.000). There was no parental resistance to the purchase of soft drinks in 27% of sample, data increased by 3.1 times when related to fruit squashes (p = 0.02). Limitation to the total amount of fizzy drink intake allowed by parents was more frequent when compared to fruit squashes (OR 2.9 95% CI 2.3 to 3.6; p = 0.000). Fizzy drinks are preferred over the weekend (60%), while juices prevail in main meals (54%). About 20.4% choose it when thirsty. Only 34% of teens knew recommendations for water intake and only about 30% reported that soft drinks are unhealthy. Beliefs about benefits of sugary beverages were inversely associated with awareness about benefits of water on hydration (p = 0.01). Only 29% of the participants knew the importance of hydration related to physical activity. Belief that sugary drinks are beneficial was a risk factor for daily consumption of these drinks (OR 2.27 CI 95% from 1.607 to 3.216; p = 0.000) and reduction of daily water consumption (OR 0.60 CI95% 0.383 to 0.968; p = 0.036).

Discussion and conclusions

Family environment influenced fluid consumption. Poor nutritional awareness may also be a risk factor for the daily consumption of these drinks and to reduced water intake. A minority of the participants knew proper intake recommendations, despite recognizing benefits of water intake on health. The profile also suggests the common belief of juice intake being better than fizzy drinks, given the more frequent permission of parents to consumption compared to soft drinks. Results highlight the need for further study on motivation for purchase and consumption of fluids, in order to develop adequate strategies of intervention.

Support or Funding Information

The tournament from which children were approached to the study is promoted By Danone annually (Danone Nations Cup) for children 10–12 years old. Danone Institute International funded the study.