Factors influencing carbonated soft-drink and bottled water consumption: survey evidence from Nicaragua. Issue 6 (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alicea-Planas, Jessica; Dresel, Shauna; Ferrante, Alexander; Vásquez, William
• Is Part Of: International journal of health promotion and education. Volume 58:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 346
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Bottled water -- carbonated soft drinks -- consumption preferences -- Nicaragua; Health education -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14635240.2019.1695530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-5240

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The consumption of bottled water and carbonated soft drinks is rapidly increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. Consuming bottled water and carbonated soft drinks have negative consequences on both the environment and population health. Hence, improved understanding of why individuals make these choices is crucial for environmental and population health improvements. Using household survey data, we investigated determinants of carbonated soft drink and bottled water consumption in a low-income community in Nicaragua that lacks resources to deal with both the environmental and health consequences of those consumption choices. A total of 398 households were included in the final analysis. Results indicate that 9.4% of respondents consumed bottled water on a regular basis and 77% of the respondents drank carbonated soft drinks. Estimated logit models suggested that households' resort to bottled water as a substitute for tap water, due to aesthetic characteristics of tap water and perceived health risks. Factors associated with carbonated soft drink consumption suggested that this choice is mostly related to individual preferences. While bottled water consumption does not seem to be much of an issue in the study site, health promotion efforts are warranted to reduce carbonated soft drink consumption and thus prevent its negative impact on environmental and population health.