Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Beverage Taxation among Saudi University Students

Abstract

University students should be informed about sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Given the high consumption level of SSBs in Saudi Arabia, this study aims to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to SSBs and taxes. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 380 students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah between September 2022 and March 2023. The data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. The results reveal that 93% of the students had high knowledge scores, 99% have positive attitudes, and 37% present good practices toward SSBs. Moreover, 73% of students have high knowledge scores, 83% have positive attitudes, and 32% present good practices regarding SSB taxes. Each of these variables, college education, smoking, family income, body mass index, activities, and sports, showed statistically significant differences between gender with regard to the scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards SSBs and their taxes. Thus, a high percentage of university students present sufficient knowledge of and good attitudes towards SSBs and taxation, unlike the practical results. Policymakers should develop strategic approaches and education campaigns to improve practices towards SSBs.

Keywords: attitudes; knowledge; practices; sugar-sweetened beverages; tax; university students.