The SODA study

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The SODA study: Sugar sweetened beverage consumption of children and young people attending dental settings

• IRAS ID

  347059

• Contact name

  Samantha Watt

• Contact email

  samantha.watt@shefield.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Sheffield Teaching Hospital Foundation NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 3 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Summary of Research

  Sugar Sweetened Beverage (SSB) are drinks that contain added sugar, these drinks often have low nutritional quality and include carbonated (fizzy) and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks and sports and energy drinks. A national survey found that children and young people (CYP) aged 11 to 18 were the highest consumers of SSBs. SSBs have been found to contribute 10 to 15% of CYPs total daily calorie intake and the main source of added sugar in their diet. Regularly drinking (daily or multiple times a week) SSBs increases an adolescent’s risk of tooth decay and dental erosion. Frequently drinking SSBs is also associated with type II diabetes and obesity.
  Research into CYPs consumption of SSBs, in particular sports and energy drinks, by dental teams was published in 2014. Since then, there has been limited research into adolescent’s use of SSBs. There have also been considerable changes to marketing and an increased role of social media in promoting SSB consumption. Therefore, this research aims to first hold interviews with CYP, aged 11-16, who attend dental appointments and their parents/carers to explore and investigate why CYP drink SSBs and what the role of the dental teams could have to tackle consumption. Members of the dental team will also be interviewed. The findings from the interviews will then be used to develop a survey which will be distributed to adolescents through dental settings. This will provide numerical data on the number of CYP who are consuming SSBs, reasons for consumption and further information on the potential role of the dental team in reducing SSB use. Following the interviews and survey of adolescents the next stage of the research will be to work with CYP to develop an intervention for dental teams aimed at reducing SSB use.

  Summary of Results

  Background Sugar-sweetened beverages, otherwise known as sugary drinks, are drinks that contain added sugar. These drinks include fizzy and still soft drinks, fruit drinks and sports and energy drinks. Regularly drinking sugary drinks increases a child’s risk of tooth decay, enamel erosion, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

  In England, almost one-quarter of five-year-old children have tooth decay. The number is higher in children living in poorer areas. By the age of 10 to 11 years, 16% of children have tooth decay, with an average of two decayed adult teeth each. Tooth decay can cause pain, loss of sleep, school absence and reduce quality of life. Nearly 10% of children aged 4 to 5 years in England are living with obesity. This increases to over 20% of 10 to 11-year-olds. Tooth decay and obesity in children and young people are important public health problems.

  A national survey found that, compared to the UK population as a whole, young people aged 11 to 18 drink the most sugary drinks. Sugary drinks also make up 10 to 15% of their total daily calories and are the main source of added sugar in their diet. Dental professionals (dentists, hygienists, therapists and nurses) have an important role in giving advice, including reducing sugary drinks intake, but there is no clear guidance for them about how to do this in a way that successfully reduces sugary drinks intake.

  Aim of the research
  This study aimed to measure how often young people drink sugary drinks, explore the reasons behind their choices, and understand how dental professionals can best support them.

  Research plan and methods
  This study used two main approaches:
  In-depth interviews: We interviewed 22 young people and 9 parents to explore their personal experiences, habits, and views. We also interviewed 11 dental health professionals.
  A survey: A total of 312 young people completed a survey detailing what drinks they consume, how often, and what support they would like.
  Patient and public involvement

  Young people shaped this research from the start. The original idea came from teenagers who wanted to learn more about sugary drinks, and youth advisory groups helped design and test the survey and interview questions to make sure they were appropriate.

  Key findings
  Nearly 1 in 3 young people (30.8%) drank sugary drinks every day, and 84.3% drank them at least once a week. Carbonated drinks were the most popular, followed by fruit drinks.
  Young people living in poorer areas were more likely to drink sugary drinks every day compared to those living in wealthier areas.
  Young people drank sugary beverages for various reasons, including taste, low cost, energy boosts, socialising, and social media trends ("hype").
  Young people were already aware of the damage sugary drinks cause to their teeth and health. Over 79% of surveyed young people said receiving advice from dental staff would be helpful, and both parents and young people viewed dental professionals as a trusted source of health guidance.
  Next steps and impact
  Dental teams have a vital role in helping young people reduce their sugar intake. Because young people already understand the basic health risks, future research cannot rely on simple warnings alone. We will work directly with young people and dental professionals to design practical resources that can be delivered in dental practices to support healthier choices.

• REC name

  London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  24/LO/0797

• Date of REC Opinion

  25 Oct 2024

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion