Plain water and beverage consumption patterns among university students in Puncak Alam, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Data on water and sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) intake among young adults in Malaysia is sparse. This study aimed at measuring the intake of plain water and SSB among undergraduate students in a Malaysian university and examine its association with body mass index (BMI). Methods: A total of 376 undergraduate students aged 18-30 years were recruited. A selfadministered questionnaire was used to determine the SSB consumption pattern. The questionnaire consisted of five sections that included the background of the participants, knowledge about SSB, SSB preferences, frequency and portion size. Results: 23.9% of subjects in this study were overweight. Almost all of the subjects took outside food (93.1%) and drink (74.2%). The highest daily consumption was plain water (92.3%), with a majority drinking more than two cups at each intake. Caffeinated drinks (coffee or tea) were the most popular SSB among the students (18.4%). Most students (79.7%) did not consume SSB on a daily basis. A significant association was found between the proportion of plain water consumption and BMI (p<0.05). Those who were overweight consumed a greater amount of plain water as compared to those underweight. Conclusion: Our findings of low plain water intake among the underweight may be used to tailor intervention efforts to increase its intake and reduce that of SSB, especially among underweight young adults.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: A Cross-Sectional Study among Adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia

“…Tea and caffeinated drinks (25.5%) were the most consumed SSBs on a daily basis amongst the participants in the present study. This trend is similar to studies by Norimah et al [22] and Teng et al [15], which reported a high consumption of coffee and tea amongst their participants. These findings are in agreement with a study that demonstrated that the reasons behind the high consumption of coffee and tea amongst students included helping them to concentrate, keep them awake at night during exam preparation phases, and staying active during classes [23].…”

“…The adopted BEVQ investigates the frequency of plain water (bottled water/tap water) and SSB intake on a weekly basis [15]. It consists of 10 types of beverages, including plain water, 100% fruit juice, sweetened fruit beverages, full-cream milk, low-fat milk, skimmed milk, regular soft drinks, energy and sports drinks, and alcoholic drinks.…”

Assessment of Dietary Habits, Physical Activity and Lifestyle in Medical University Students

“…It was found that college students tended to choose their drinking beverages on the basis of their cost, as well as taste factors, rather than the nutritional information associated with a particular drink, which suggests that college students may be particularly at risk due to their lack of sufficient water intake, as well as a lack of understanding regarding the need to adhere to guidelines related to daily water intake [63,64]. A high rate was identified by Teng et al [65], who showed that plain water was the most consumed beverage (92.30% of the participants).…”

Unraveling the Sugar Rush: A Cross-sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Sugar- Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Malaysian Young Adults

“…They demonstrated a conscious effort to limit their SSB intake and make healthier choices, such as opting for beverages without added sugars (9,21). This aligns with the recommendations of health authorities advocating for a reduction in SSB intake (9,22). The positive attitudes towards reducing SSB consumption may indicate a willingness to adopt healthier behaviors, which can be further encouraged through targeted interventions aimed at improving knowledge about SSBs.…”