J Nutr Health.  2024 Feb;57(1):120-135. 10.4163/jnh.2024.57.1.120.

Factors affecting sugar intake in adults based on the social cognitive theory

• Kim K
• Lee YK

• KMID: 2553698
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2024.57.1.120

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the factors affecting sugar intake in adults based on social cognitive theory.
Methods
An online survey regarding the intake frequency of sugar-source food, factors related to sugar intake based on social cognitive theory, perceptions of sugar intake, and health-related factors was conducted in October 2019 with 1,022 adults (502 men and 520 women) aged 19–49 years. The intake frequency of sugar-source food was divided into tertiles using percentiles based on the daily frequency.
Results
The daily intake frequency of sugar-source foods was 4 times, with beverages (1.87 times/day) and sweetened coffee (0.81 times/day) being the highest among the food groups and types, respectively. The group with a high intake frequency of sugar-source food had a high negative outcome expectation for reducing sugar intake, and was in a home and social environment with easy access to sweet food. Women in this group showed low self-efficacy and poor behavioral capability in reducing sugar intake. Self-control had the lowest average score among the factors of social cognitive theory (2.56/5 points), followed by nutrition knowledge related to sugar (5.42/10 points). As a result of regression analysis, the social cognitive factor affecting the intake frequency of sugar-sourced foods was found to be home environment for both men and women. On the other hand, factors contributing to reducing sugar intake were positive outcome expectations for men and behavioral skills for women.
Conclusion
Dietary education and nutritional interventions for adults, including changes in the home environment with easy access to sweet foods, can reduce sugar intake and raise positive expectations for reduced sugar intake.

Keyword

sugars; adult; behavior; self-control; environment