Assessing Support for Taxing Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Hawaii

Introduction: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has been gaining momentum as a potential method for addressing increases in obesity rates. SSB are leading source of added sugar in the American diet and have been linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Research estimates that a 10% increase in price could lead to an 8%-10% decrease in consumption. As of 2011, 15 states including Hawaii have introduced legislation to increase taxes on sugar sweetened beverages. Despite potential effects on reducing non-nutrient caloric consumption, many legislators have been reluctant to pass laws because of perceived consumer attitudes towards a new tax. The aim of this study is to assess the level of support for taxing SSB and an analysis of who is more likely to be supportive. Methos: A random digit dial survey was conducted among non-institutionalized adults living in Hawaii (n=1333) between October-December 2011. Results: Most of the respondents would either strongly support (41.3%) or support (24.3%) taxing SSB to provide funding for childhood obesity programs. Bivariate analysis indicated that support for a tax on SSB was higher among non- and infrequent soda drinkers, women, lower income households and younger people. A logistic regression found the strongest predictors were soda consumption (â=2.4) and gender (â=2.2). Age and income were still significant in the model. Conclusions: Results indicate that most adults in Hawaii favor a tax on SSB though support varies by soda consumption, gender, age and income. Education campaigns should focus on changing attitudes among men, high income and older adults.