Factors associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages in Malaysia: an ethnic comparison

High intake of added sugar is related to various diseases. One of the main objectives of public health administrators is to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages. The present study attempts to examine sociodemographic factors associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages in Malaysia. The Malaysian Household Expenditure Survey (HES) 2014 (n = 14,838) is used. The dependent variable is monthly household expenditures on sugar-sweetened foods and beverages. The independent variables are gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, education, employment status, household income, household size, region, location of residence and expenditures on tobacco and alcohol. The present study uses a two-part model to estimate the factors associated with consumption decision and amount decision of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages. Analyses stratified by ethnicity are performed. Age, household size, marital status, education level, employment status, region, location of residence, tobacco and alcohol expenditures are associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages. For Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera households, those who have a higher likelihood of consuming sugar-sweetened foods and beverages are less-educated, reside in Peninsular Malaysia and rural areas and spend less on tobacco, while those who spend more on sugar-sweetened foods and beverages are females, married, well-educated, employed and spend more on alcohol. In conclusion, household expenditures on sugar-sweetened foods and beverages are associated with numerous sociodemographic factors. Findings of the present study can assist policy makers in developing a more effective intervention measure directed towards reducing the intake of added sugar among people in Malaysia.