Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption are associated with behavioral problems among preschoolers: A population based cross-sectional study in China

Abstract

Background: Previous researches showed a positive association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and behavioral problems, but there is a little known in Chinese preschoolers.

Methods: A population based survey was conducted in 109 kindergartens, in 11 cities across China. Children's SSB consumption was assessed by questionnaires completed by caregivers. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Clancy Autism Behavior Scale (CABS) were used to assessing the children's behavioral problems.

Result: The prevalence of SSB consumption ≥ 1 time/day was 24.9%. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of having elevated total difficulties by increasing levels of SSB consumption were 1.00, 1.13 (1.05, 1.22) and 1.24 (1.10, 1.41) (P for trend < 0.001), respectivly. Similar results were found in emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, and CABS. No significantly increased the risk of hyperactivity and prosocial were observed for higher SSB consumption. No gender differences were found in these associations.

Limitations: This is a cross-sectional survey and the causal relationship is unclear.

Conclusions: Higher SSB consumption is positively associated with behavioral problems among preschoolers in China.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Behavioral problems; Preschool Children; Sugar-sweetened beverages.