Factors Associated with Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake among United States High School Students

This cross-sectional study examined associations of demographic characteristics, weight status, availability of school vending machines, and behavioral factors with sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, both overall and by type of SSB, among a nationally representative sample of high school students. The 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study data for 11,209 students (grades 9-12) were used. SSB intake was based on intake of 4 nondiet beverages [soda, other (i.e., fruit-flavored drinks, sweetened coffee/tea drinks, or flavored milk), sports drinks, and energy drinks]. Nationwide, 64.9% of high school students drank SSB >= 1 time/d, 35.6% drank SSB >= 2 times/d, and 22.2% drank SSB >= 3 times/d. The most commonly consumed SSB was regular soda. Factors associated with a greater odds for high SSB intake (>= 3 times/d) were male gender [OR = 1.66(95% CI = 1.41,1.95); P < 0.05], being non-Hispanic black [OR = 1.87(95% CI = 1.52, 2.29); P < 0.05], eating at fast-food restaurants 1-2 d/wk or eating there >= 3 d/wk [OR = 1.25 (95% CI = 1.05, 1.50); P < 0.05 and OR = 2.94 (95% CI = 2.31, 3.75); P < 0.05, respectively] and watching television >2 h/d [OR = 1.70 (95% CI = 1.44, 2.01); P < 0.051. Non-Hispanic other/multiracial [OR = 0.67 195% CI = 0.47, 0.951; P < 0.051 and being physically active >= 60 min/d on <5 d/wk were associated with a lower odds for high SSB intake [OR = 0.85 (95% CI = 0.76, 0.95); P < 0.05]. Weight status was not associated with SSB intake. Differences in predictors by type of SSB were small. Our findings of significant associations of high SSB intake with frequent fast-food restaurant use and sedentary behaviors may be used to tailor intervention efforts to reduce SSB intake among high-risk populations. J. Nutr. 142: 306-312, 2012.