Consumption of carbonated soft drinks and association with health behaviours and mental health among adolescents in Malaysia: findings from 2022 Adolescent Health Survey (AHS)

BACKGROUND: The consumption of carbonated soft drinks has risen substantially and has been associated with weight gain, chronic disease, and oral health issues. This study seeks to examine the relationship between carbonated soft drink consumption, health behaviours and mental health among Malaysian adolescents.

METHODS: The 2022 Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) 2022 was a nationwide study involving Malaysian students aged 13 to 17 years old. It used a multistage stratified cluster sampling method to ensure a representative sample. Data collection was performed via a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the consumption of carbonated soft drinks.

RESULTS: The prevalence of carbonated soft drink consumption at least once daily in the past 30 days was 32.4% (95% CI: 30.93, 33.87). The results revealed that the consumption of carbonated soft drinks was highest among males and young adolescents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that health-related behaviours associated with high soft drink consumption included consuming fast food at least three days per week, drinking alcohol, drinking fewer than six glasses of plain water, and being physically inactive. In addition, a greater intake of carbonated soft drinks was positively associated with depression and suicide attempts.

CONCLUSION: This study provides compelling evidence that the consumption of carbonated soft drinks was associated with health-related behaviours and poor mental health among Malaysian adolescents.