A study on perception regarding carbonated drinks in 14�16 yrs age group students

Keerti S Jogdand; Pravin N Yerpude

Volume : V, Issue : XI, November - 2015

A study on perception regarding carbonated drinks in 14�16 yrs age group students

Keerti S Jogdand, Pravin N Yerpude

Abstract :

 Introduction: The consumption of carbonated drinks in youngsters is increasing in alarming proportions. They are often not aware of the health hazards of the excess consumption. There is a growing concern in the medical and scientific communities about the harmful effects associated with carbonated soft drinks. Soft drinks have been around for over a hundred years, but many of their deleterious heath effects have not been studied or known. Hence the present study has been undertaken to assess the awareness and attitude regarding health hazards of excess carbonated drinks consumption among school children. Materials and methods: This cross–sectional study was carried out in an International school in Guntur (A.P.). The study subjects comprised of school students in the age group 14–16 years. A total of 144 school students of age group 14–16 were included in the study. A self administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect the relevant details. Results: 93.75 % students had heard about carbonated drinks. 78.47 % students had read about ill effects of carbonated drinks. 69% of the students reported that their parents also have carbonated drinks. 29% of them consumed as their film heroes consumed a particular and. According to students, most common ill effect of consumption of carbonated drink were teeth and bone disease (40.97%), respiratory disease(26.39%),belching(24.31%) and diarrhoeal disease(21.53%). Conclusion: The knowledge of the students regarding the illeffects of the consumption of carbonated drinks is not convincing one. The attitudes of the students are relatively better but their practices are neither preventive nor health promoting. Thus, it is recommended that a holistic approach should be incorporated to combat the problems associated with the consumption of carbonated drinks. There is a need of Behavioural Change (BCC) for youngsters.