A qualitative study of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in the home environments of overweight/obese latino youth

Background: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among youth has increased in recent decades and is associated with displacement of nutrient rich-foods, obesity and weight gain. Surveillance data report youth drink more SSBs at home than elsewhere but limited research examines how home environments contribute to consumption, especially among Latino youth, who are at high risk for obesity.

Methods: We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 55 overweight/obese youth (11-18 years) and 56 parents/caregivers to explore patterns of SSB purchase, availability, and consumption at home. We recruited participants from two school-based clinics and one middle school in the Los Angeles Unified School District from May 2008-November 2009. Data were analyzed with ATLAS/ti.

Results: Parents and youth held misconceptions about SSBs and other drinks. Many thought tap water was unhealthy due to added chemicals, sports drinks were a healthy way to hydrate, and culturally-specific drinks (e.g., aguas frescas) were healthy because they were prepared at home with fresh fruit and “natural” sugar. Facilitators for SSB consumption included availability at home, low cost, and family members' and friends' consumption. Barriers to reducing consumption included unwillingness to follow parents' rules about SSB consumption and limited parenting skills to curb intake. Parents thought schools should teach children about SSBs' harmful effects; children believed parents could be better role models.

Conclusions: Latino parents and their overweight/obese youth hold misconceptions about SSBs. Initiatives to educate families should address misconceptions and provide culturally appropriate tools for parents to help reduce home SSB consumption, including guidance on water and preparing healthier home-made beverages.