Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey on Sweetened Beverage Consumption among students in selected Public Day Care Centers, Elementary and High Schools in Quezon City

The study provided baseline data on SSB consumption among day care, elementary and high school students in selected schools in Quezon City. It also assessed the current knowledge, attitude and practices of selected students towards SSBs, which can be used in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the implementation of the ordinance and other related programs and projects.

The main objective of the study was to identify the knowledge, attitude and practices on the
consumption of SSBs among day care, elementary and high school students in selected public schools in Quezon City. Specifically, the study aimed to:

1. Describe the existing knowledge of each group – (a) day care, (b) elementary, and (c) high school students with regard to dietary habits, specifically the effects of SSBs on general health;
2. Describe the attitudes and practices of each age group with regard to the consumption of SSBs;
3. Identify factors that contribute to the consumption of SSBs among age groups; and
4. Measure the average consumption of SSBs among age groups a day prior to the data collection.

The Quezon City government recognizes the importance of promoting the health and welfare of children in the city. Before the full enactment of Ordinance No. SP-2579, S-2017, baseline information on the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices need to be identified. These will facilitate comparison of behaviors related to the consumption of SSBs before and after the implementation of the city ordinance. A questionnaire was designed to identify the knowledge, attitude and practices of each age group with regard to the consumption of SSBs

The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies. For the quantitative aspect, a cross sectional survey of public school students in Quezon City was conducted. Meanwhile, ocular surveys of the school cafeteria, stores and street vendors in the vicinity of the school were conducted to determine the type of beverages available to students. Key informant interviews were also conducted among teachers, school cafeteria personnel, and vendors in the selected schools to validate the data collected.

Furthermore, the study was conducted in selected public day care centers, elementary and high schools within Quezon City from March 7 to April 3, 2018. Based on data from the Schools Division Office, there are 23,440 students in 293 day care centers, 269,347 students in 96 elementary schools, and 145,853 students in 46 high schools in Quezon City. These bring the total student population to 438,640 enrolled in 435 public schools.