Factors Influencing on the Consumption of SugarSweetened Beverages among Adults in Thi-Qar Hospitals, Iraq

Background: Diet-related health problems are on a rising trend due to widespread ingestion of sugar-sweetened drinks, especially by adults in developing countries. Many factors can influence people’s food choices and consumption. This study assessed sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among adults admitted to hospitals in Nasiriyah, Iraq.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study from August ۲۰, ۲۰۲۴ to January ۲۰, ۲۰۲۵ using non-random convenient sampling was conducted in four hospitals in Thi-Qar Governorate, Iraq enrolling ۳۸۴ participants.Results: Most participants (۵۰.۰%) were ۱۸-۲۷ years old. Totally, ۳۱.۳% of subjects drank carbonated soft drinks two to three times per week; while a significant proportion (۶۶.۹%) consumed hot beverages more than five times a week. However, half of the participants (۴۹.۷%) fell into the fair (moderated) consumption score, with only ۲۲.۹% having a healthy consumption score and ۲۷.۳% had an unhealthy score. However, significant links were noted for age groups, educational level, socioeconomic status, and body mass index (BMI).Conclusion: This study showed that more than half of the individuals consumed sugar-sweetened beverages moderately. Age, educational level, socioeconomic status, and BMI of the participants were significantly correlated to consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sugar ، Sweetened beverages ، adult ، Iraq