Abstract

Background: These days youngsters are consuming more carbonated drinks, which contains high sugar and associated with various adverse health effects.
Objective: To study knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding consumption of carbonated drinks among medical students.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out to access the KAP of medical students about carbonated drinks. All medical students studying in C.U. Shah Medical College and Hospital situated in Surendranagar, Gujarat were included in the study. Self-structured pretested questionnaire was used for collection of data. Out of 500 students 354 students participated for the study. Result: Out of all students, 282(79.66%) students revealed that they had started carbonated drinks at <15 years of age. Majority of students believed obesity (26.27%) as side effect associated with consumption of carbonated drinks followed by dental carries (20.06%) and bone decay (11.02%). Among all students 352 (99.44%) students having no knowledge about pesticides and 198 (56%) students experienced ill effects due to carbonated drinks. Conclusion: To encounter the problems which are caused by consumption of carbonated drinks, focus on various aspects of primary prevention like Health education has to be done.