A survey of factors associated with soft drink consumption among secondary school students in Farooj city, 2010

There is a high tendency for consumption of soft drinks in Iran and worldwide. Scientific and medical community is concerned about the harmful side effects of such drinks. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with soft drink consumption in secondary school students in Farooj city in 2010. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. A convenience sample included 222 students studying in secondary schools in Farooj city. They were selected through multi-stage sampling method. The data were collected through two questionnaires made by the researcher. Reliability and validity of the scales were estimated. The data were analyzed using SPSS software for Windows. Results: The results showed that 94.1% of the students regularly consume soft drink. The majority of the students are drinking it at home and then in the parties. About half of the students reported that soft drink consumption can increase obesity, osteoporosis, teeth decay and reduce the appetite. Important reasons for soft drink consumption among the students were consumption of soft drink by friends, enjoying soft drink with meals, interest in flavored soft drinks and receiving pocket money of parents. Conclusion: The rate of consumption of soft drinks among the students is high. Interventional programs focusing on the most important factors affecting its consumption are recommended to be held.