Difference in Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Korean Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have identified various factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among children and adolescents. Recent studies attempted to analyze changes in SSB consumption of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and showed conflicting results.Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the difference in SSB consumption before (2018-2019) and during (2020-2021) the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents.Methods: The study population consisted of students (n 1/4 227,139) aged 12-18 y from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS). Data collection was done between 2018 and 2021. The primary outcome was the difference in the SSB consumption status (none/<7 times/wk, =7 times/wk) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association. Additional analysises were also conducted by gender, school grades, household income, grade point average, region, household members, fast-food intake, and fruit intake.Results: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in adolescents' SSB intake. [(<7 times/wk) 2019: 59.4, 2020: 58.8, (=7 times/wk) 2019: 35.3, 2020: 33.4].Conclusions: The study found a difference in SSB consumption among Korean adolescents between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings are noteworthy considering the importance of continuous care in managing SSB intake.