Research on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among seventh grade students in Beijing based on the social ecological model

Background Teenagers are in a crucial stage of growth and development. The intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) will lead to various health problems such as obesity, dental caries and diabetes, seriously affecting their physical health. Objectives This study aims to investigate the consumption of SSB among seventh grade students in Beijing. Utilizing the social ecological model, this study examines the factors influencing consumption at four levels: individual, interpersonal, environmental, and policy. Methods This cross-sectional study employed a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. SSB consumption was defined as consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once per week. A combination of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, based on the social ecological model, was used to investigate the characteristics of SSB consumption and its multi-level influencing factors. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to analysis. Results A total of 1,212 participants were included in the analysis. The prevalence of SSB consumption among seventh grade students in Beijing was 90.6%, with 61.5% consuming these beverages once or more daily. Logistic regression analysis revealed that knowledge of SSB ( OR = 1.881, 95% CI [1.082–3.270]), peer influence on purchasing ( OR = 1.803, 95% CI [1.167–2.785]), sharing beverages among peers ( OR = 1.841, 95% CI [1.199–2.826]), parental support for SSB consumption ( OR = 1.629, 95% CI [1.072–2.476]) and parental consumption of SSB ( OR = 3.998, 95% CI [2.500–6.395]) were associated with increased SSB consumption among students. Interviews with teachers indicated that the majority do not support SSB consumption among students. Conclusion The prevalence of SSB consumption among seventh grade students in Beijing is high. The consumption of SSB is closely related to students’ cognition, parents’ attitudes and behaviors, peer behaviors, and health promotion policies. Future initiatives should prioritize enhancing health education to improve students’ nutritional literacy and promoting policies to reduce SSB consumption.