Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Taxation among University Students in Morogoro

Abstract

Background: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are significant sources of excess free sugar consumption and are associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Tanzania has not implemented a policy for taxing SSBs, which is considered an efficient way to reduce consumption. This study evaluated knowledge, consumption practices and attitudes towards SSB taxation among university students in Morogoro Municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture and Jordan University College. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The analysis included 312 complete questionnaires from the 384 targeted students. Results: Most participants (72.1%) did not know the recommended daily sugar intake or the health risks related to SSBs. Approximately 40.4% consumed SSBs several times a week, with taste being the main reason (49.4%). A total of 53.5% did not check sugar content labels. Knowledge was significantly associated with checking sugar labels (p = 0.007), but not with consumption frequency (p = 0.916). Consumption frequency differed by gender (p = 0.006). Overall, 66.7% had not heard about SSB taxation, 75.6% supported the implementation of taxation, and 81.4% agreed that taxation should be accompanied by public education on the health risks of sugary drinks. Conclusion: University students had low awareness of SSB-related health risks and taxation, but regularly consumed SSBs and supported taxation when informed. Promoting nutrition education, raising public awareness and implementing complementary policy measures, such as SSB taxation, could promote informed decision-making and help reduce excess sugar intake and its associated health risks.