Journal of Socialomics

Abstract

Factors associated with weekly consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks among the adult population of Ireland. A baseline study pre- introduction of the sugar sweetened drinks (SSDs) tax.

Anne O'Farrell

The aim of this study was to identify demographic and behavioral factors associated with high consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks (SSDs) among adults in the Irish population prior to the recent introduction of a targeted tax on SSDs on 1st May 2018 .The tax, vigorously opposed by lobbyists, is a significant policy initiative targeted at our obesity problem. There is considerable debate about the effectiveness, or otherwise of such taxes, and given the very large commercial interests, it is important to assemble as much robust evidence as possible of their effects. Data from the Healthy Ireland 2016 (Wave 1) household survey were analyzed. Ethical approval was obtained from the Department of Health. Multivariate analyses carried out using logistic and ordinal regression modeling. The response rate was 61%. Over half (58.0%) stated that they had consumed sugar sweetened drinks with 39.3% consuming them frequently (weekly or more often). Demographic factors significantly associated with frequent consumption of SSDs were being male (OR 1.4 95% CI 1.2-1.6, p

Published Date: 2021-12-20; Received Date: 2021-12-05