Racial Disparities in Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Change Efficacy Among Male First-Year College Students

Abstract

Racial disparities in weight-related outcomes among males may be linked to differences in behavioral change efficacy; however, few studies have pursued this line of inquiry. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which self-efficacy associated with changing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption intake varies by race among male first-year college students. A self-administered, cross-sectional survey was completed by a subsample of freshmen males (N = 203) at a medium-sized southern university. Key variables of interest were SSB intake and self-efficacy in reducing consumption of sugared beverages. African American and Whites had similar patterns of SSB intake (10.2 ± 2.8 vs. 10.1 ± 2.6); however, African Americans had lower proportions of individuals who were sure they could substitute sugared beverages with water (42.2% vs. 57.5%, p < .03). The results from logistic regression models suggest that self-efficacy to reduce SSB intake among males vary by race. African American males were less likely to assert confidence in their ability to change behaviors associated with SSB (odds ratio = 0.51; confidence interval [0.27, 0.95]) in the full model adjusting for weight-related variables including SSB consumption. The findings suggest that weight loss and weight prevention interventions targeting young African American males require components that can elevate self-efficacy of this group to facilitate behavioral modifications that reduce SSB consumption and their risk for obesity-related diseases.

Smartphone Technology and Text Messaging for Weight Loss in Young Adults

“…Recent studies conducted in college aged individuals reported implications for testing the differences in self-efficacy between males and females and also indicate possible racial differences in self-efficacy for improving certain health behaviors. A study published in 2015 by Bruce et al (25) reported significantly lower self-efficacy for changing sugar sweetened beverage consumption in African American college males compared to white college males. In addition, a study examining Korean college students reported that self-efficacy for physical activity is a significant predictor of physical activity in Korean males but not in Korean females.…”

Examining the Relationship between Online Social Capital and eHealth Literacy: Implications for Instagram Use for Chronic Disease Prevention among College Students

“…Among college-aged adults, studies have shown greater physical fitness and healthier diets among Caucasian students as compared to Black/AA students, 64 with a lower proportions of Black/AA males asserting confidence in their ability to change behaviors associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. 65 Future research aiming to enhance protective health behaviors against chronic disease among Black/AAs should explore how to capitalize on these credible sources of health information to promote positive health indicators.…”

Racial and gender disparities in sugar consumption change efficacy among first-year college students

“…Reducing sugar consumption has been identified as weight management and chronic disease prevention strategy (Johnson et al, 2009; Kumanyika, Grier, Lancaster, & Lassiter, 2011; Kumar et al, 2014); however, replacing consumption of sugared beverages and snacks with healthier options could be salient for high risk groups like African Americans to help reduce the likelihood and impact of obesity and related chronic diseases. Behavior change is difficult; however, only one study to our knowledge has assessed the perceived degree of difficulty making lifestyle modifications among emerging adults (Bruce, Beech, Thorpe, & Griffith, 2015). The current study used data drawn from a sample of African American and White first-year college students to assess racial and gender disparities in SSB and sugary snack behavioral modification efficacy.…”