The Effect of Hidden Sugar Guidance Program on Young and Older Adults' Knowledge and Consumption Pattern

Abstract

Background: Consumption of unnecessary hidden sugars is an important public health concern because it may lead to various health problems. A multi-pronged approach has to be taken to addressing the issue of "hidden" sugars in processed food. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a hidden sugar guidance program on the young and older adults' knowledge and consumption pattern. Design: The study followed a quasi-experimental research design (one group pre-test post-test) Setting: two settings were used to carry out the study; El Waffa club for the older adults, and two faculties at Alexandria University for young adults namely; Faculty of Art and Faculty of Science. Subjects: a convenience sampling technique was used to select the study subjects; they included two groups; young adult undergraduate students, and older adults aged 60 years or more. Results: There was an improvement in the total score of knowledge regarding hidden sugar of the young and older adults after the implementation of the program with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001). There was also an improvement in the total score of the consumption pattern of the hidden sugar of the young and older adults after the implementation of the program with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The hidden sugar guidance program had a significant effect on the young and older adults' knowledge and consumption pattern of hidden sugar. Recommendations: Community based awareness programs should be developed and implemented to inform the public about the risks of overconsumption of hidden sugars, raise awareness, and support both young and older adults to change their eating behaviors.