R. Freeman et A. Sheiham, UNDERSTANDING DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES FOR SUGAR CONSUMPTION IN ADOLESCENCE, Community dentistry and oral epidemiology, 25(3), 1997, pp. 228-232
Citations number
13
Categorie Soggetti
Dentistry,Oral Surgery & Medicine","Public, Environmental & Occupation Heath
The mechanisms by which adolescents make food choices are not clear. T
he interaction and combination of the many social and psychological fa
ctors must be considered when examining adolescents' decision-making p
rocesses for sound food choices, The aim of this investigation is to e
xamine one specific food choice, namely, the use of sucrose in hot dri
nks. One hundred and eighty-seven adolescents in their 16th year compl
eted a questionnaire on the consumption of sugar using the method deve
loped by AJZEN & FISHBEIN in their 'Theory of Reasoned Action'. The gr
oup was randomly divided into two groups so that decision-making proce
sses with respect to two behavioural intentions - adding sugar to tea
and coffee and excluding it - could be examined. The findings suggest
that the immediate pleasurable taste of sugar outweighed and deferred
the recognition of dangers associated with its consumption. Past denta
l health experiences, behaviours and education together with the role
of parental figures acted as important influences. An awareness of the
se factors should assist dental health professionals to highlight the
importance of sound food choices when negotiating dental health goals
with adolescents.