CONSUMPTION OF CARBONATED DRINKS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF KOTTAYAM DISTRICT
Varsha Elizabeth Thomas
B.Ed. Student (Physical Science)
Mount Carmel College of Teacher Education for Women, Kottayam-686004
ABSTRACT
The present article entitled “consumption of carbonated drinks among high school students of Kottayam district” is based on a survey carried out with the objective to study the consumption of soft drinks among teenagers and to find out the reason behind this addiction.
The Survey method was adopted via Google forms for the study. The sample consists of 52 teenagers residing in kottayam town. The tool consists of a questionnaire prepared by the investigator that was used for collecting necessary data related to the consumption of soft drinks and its effects on teenagers.
The findings of the study indicate that most teenagers prefer to drink soft drinks rather than fresh juices because of its taste. They never think about the negative impact of soft drink consumption. Therefore it is important to generate awareness regarding the health problems caused due to soft drink consumption
INTRODUCTION
Carbonated drink is a beverage that has carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved into it under the low temperature and high pressure when sealing the bottle/container. This process is known as carbonation. The dissolved gas escapes as bubbles when the bottle/container is opened and pressure relieved suddenly. Carbonated drink was invented in the 18th century and has become one of most popular drinks.
Many of the packaged drinks in the market nowadays are carbonated beverages. They are added with many other ingredients to make flavor, color and particular characteristics follow the manufacturer’s desires. Consumption of carbonated beverages has been increasing especially in developing countries. This poses the need to evaluate the overall impact of carbonated beverages to consumers’ health. Currently published studies and health messages on Internet websites hold different perspectives on health impact caused by carbonated beverages. In order to have more understanding of the issue we conduct a systematic review of academic literature to answer the question - whether the use of carbonated beverages would cause any impact on health?
The impact of carbonated beverages on health depends on the beverage contents including the amount of dissolved CO2, amount of sugar or artificial sweeteners, and other additives by manufacturers. The diversity of contents in different carbonated beverages is probably one of reasons to explain the inconsistency of study results.
Soft drink consumption has become a highly visible and controversial public health and public policy issue. Soft drinks are viewed by many as a major contributor to obesity and related health problems and have consequently been targeted as a means to help curtail the rising prevalence of obesity, particularly among children. The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the environment we live in are contaminated with toxic man made compounds .Progressive globalization of the food supply and the increase in food intake such as snacks, soft drinks and fast food, typically form a significant part of daily life. Eating habits and food consumption have a direct relation with obesity, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and coronary health diseases. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis on the impact of soft drinks on human health and suggests healthy lifestyle.
.Objectives
To study carbonated drinks consumption and frequency among adolescents
To find the influence of freebies in purchase. of carbonated drinks
To know the influence of advisements in promoting the intake of carbonated drinks
To determine whether students are aware of the health hazards caused due to carbonated drinks consumption
To know the influence of packaging and design of containers in promoting consumption of carbonated drinks
To find out the influence of cost buying soft drinks
To analyse carbonated drinks consumption among adolescents based on their locality
(Rural / urban)
To analyse gender wise about the consumption of carbonated drinks among high school students of Kottayam district
Methodology
Due to the pandemic situation, samples were collected via Google forms. The sample consisted of 52 students studying in various schools of Kottayam District. The study is based on the topic soft drinks from the chapter solution in class 8 Basic science Text book The tool consists of a questionnaire containing 21 questions containing necessary details related to the consumption of carbonated drinks. The content area was thoroughly analyzed
Analyses and Interpretation
Of the 52 respondents of the survey 60.5% were female and 39.2% were male. The survey reveals that 69.2% of the students like consuming bottled Beverages as shown in fig. 1
Fig 1
65.4% prefers carbonated drinks consumption of sugar sweetened beverages by children and young people is a growing public health concern
30.8% consume carbonated drinks daily 25% consume weekly and 44.2%. Consume
It monthly
About 78% of students consume carbonated drinks when they are tired. Majority have the opinion that soft drinks quench their appetite. Still they know they are tempted to drink soft drinks repeatedly after having it once.
63.5% of the users are attracted toward the colour of carbonated drink
Majority of the users have Pepsi as their favorite drink
67.3%.of the respondents buy soft drinks by the influence of advertisements and the remaining go for freebies as their preference to buy carbonated drinks.
92.3% users are aware about the health hazards caused by regular consumption of carbonated drinks.
Figure 2 shows 75% students dislike the chemical used in carbonated drinks, they know that Chemicals substances used in soft drinks are for the taste, colour and storage
Fig-2
Factors preventing consumption of soft drinks
Figure 3 shows factors promoting consumption of carbonated drinks.
About 78.8%. Likes carbonated drinks because of its taste. 11.5% like carbonated drinks because of its packaging and 96%. Consumes carbonated drinks of the freebies provided.
Fig-3 factors promoting consumption of carbonated drinks.
Findings and Conclusion
The study revealed that soft drinks have a great influence in children. Out of 52 samples 40 students like carbonated drinks. They mainly consume carbonated drinks to quench their thirst and to be refreshed. They are mainly attracted towards the taste of soft drinks, the advertisements, packaging, design freebies are some factors that influence the use of soft drinks. The increased consumption of soft drinks replace the consumption of healthier fresh juices. Most of the students know that chemicals are present in carbonated drinks but they are not aware of those which are harmful. Students are not serious about the harmful effect of regular consumption of carbonated drinks. Therefore it is important to give awareness classes
regarding the same and and thereby reducing the usage to a certain limit.
Bibliography
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.oreyonlive .com/health
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
https://www.healthline.com
https://link.springer.com>article
Class viii basic science text book [Kerala syllabus]
