Interdependence relationships between sugar intake and sugary drink liking in parent-adolescent dyads and moderation by adolescent age and dyad sex

Authors: Thomson, Jessica; LANDRY, ALICIA - University Of Central Arkansas; Walls, Tameka

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/8/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine if interdependence relationships between sugar from sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and sugary drink liking existed in parent-adolescent dyads and if relationships were moderated by adolescent age and dyad sex. Methods: Dyadic survey data from the cross-sectional, Internet-based Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health and Eating Study, conducted in 2014 were analyzed using actor-partner interdependence models. Parents and adolescents (12-17 years) completed demographic, diet and physical activity surveys. The outcome variable, dietary intake, was measured using a 27-item dietary screener. Explanatory variables included: (1) fruit drink liking and soda liking measured separately on 5-point Likert type scales for actor (self) and partner; (2) adolescent age in years; (3) parent-adolescent sex (male or female); and (4) 2-way interactions between explanatory variables. Results: Interdependence effects were present for fruit drink liking with higher liking associated with greater sugar from SSB intake for both actor and partner effects. Only actor effects were present for soda liking; higher liking was associated with greater sugar from SSB intake. Associations between sugar from SSB intake and all three liking effects (stronger actor effects for parents and stronger partner effect for adolescents), adolescent age (increasing adolescent intake for increasing age) and dyad sex (increased intake for males) differed between parents and adolescents. Dyad sex moderated actor effects for fruit drink liking with generally greater sugar from SSB intake as liking increased for male parent dyads while adolescent age moderated actor effects for soda liking with increasing intake for increasing age in strongly like group. Conclusions: The findings of differential parent-adolescent interdependence on associations between sugary drink liking and sugar from SSB intake suggest that parents’ liking may play a more influential role in their own and their adolescents’ beverage choices than adolescents’ liking plays in their parents’ choices. Additionally, individuals with strong liking for sugary drinks may require more concerted effort to reduce their sugar intake. Funding Source: This work was supported by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.