Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children's Sugary Drink Consumption: A Qualitative Study

Authors

Allison C. Sylvetsky, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
Jasmine H. Kaidbey, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
Kacey Ferguson, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
Amanda J. Visek, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
Jennifer Sacheck, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal

Frontiers in nutrition

Volume

9

DOI

10.3389/fnut.2022.860259

Keywords

coronavirus; diet; nutrition; obesity; soda; sugar-sweetened beverages; youth

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused striking alterations to daily life, with important impacts on children's health. Spending more time at home and out of school due to COVID-19 related closures may exacerbate obesogenic behaviors among children, including consumption of sugary drinks (SDs). This qualitative study aimed to investigate effects of the pandemic on children's SD consumption and related dietary behaviors. Children 8-14 years old and their parent ( = 19 dyads) participated in an in-depth qualitative interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently coded by two coders, after which, emergent themes and subthemes were identified and representative quotations selected. Although increases in children's SD and snack intake were almost unanimously reported by both children and their parents, increased frequency of cooking at home and preparation of healthier meals were also described. Key reasons for children's higher SD and snack intake were having unlimited access to SDs and snacks and experiencing boredom while at home. Parents also explained that the pandemic impacted their oversight of the child's SD intake, as many parents described loosening prior restrictions on their child's SD intake and/or allowing their child more autonomy to make their own dietary choices during the pandemic. These results call attention to concerning increases in children's SD and snack intake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Intervention strategies to improve the home food environment, including reducing the availability of SDs and energy-dense snacks and providing education on non-food related coping strategies are needed.

APA Citation

Sylvetsky, Allison C.; Kaidbey, Jasmine H.; Ferguson, Kacey; Visek, Amanda J.; and Sacheck, Jennifer, "Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children's Sugary Drink Consumption: A Qualitative Study" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 581.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/581

Department

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences