Soda and Energy Drink Consumption and Risky Behaviors in Teens
Author Information
Author(s): Suresh Surya, Jennifer L. Temple, Matteo Fabris
Primary Institution: University at Buffalo
Hypothesis
Daily consumption of sodas and energy drinks would be associated with greater risk-taking behavior in high school students compared to no consumption.
Conclusion
Daily consumption of soda and energy drinks is linked to increased risk-taking behaviors and poorer mental health among adolescents.
Supporting Evidence
- Daily soda and energy drink consumption were associated with higher odds of substance use.
- Adolescents consuming soda daily were 7.3 times more likely to vape every day.
- Daily energy drink consumers were 19.5 times more likely to report daily alcohol consumption.
- Both daily soda and energy drink consumption increased the odds of feeling sad or hopeless.
- Daily soda consumers were 5.5 times more likely to attempt suicide at least six times in the past year.
- Daily consumption of both drinks was linked to increased fast food consumption.
Takeaway
Drinking soda and energy drinks every day can make kids more likely to do risky things and feel sad.
Methodology
Data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System was analyzed using binary and multinomial regression analyses.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting may introduce biases and inaccuracies.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, relies on self-reported data, and does not distinguish between caffeinated and non-caffeinated soda.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 51.6% female adolescents aged 13-19 from New Jersey, Montana, and Florida.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 3.7, 6.9 for soda; 6.4, 16.3 for energy drinks
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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