Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAPs) of Selected Filipino Parents in Makati City on Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)

This study investigated parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). A total of 168 respondents participated, predominantly mothers (73.21%). The statistical analysis used was Pearson correlation coefficients, which found a weak but statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.1891, 0.0140) between monthly family income and the parents' knowledge on SSBs. Despite this, attitudes about reading labels were highly favorable across all income levels, with an average attitude score of 4.2 out of 5. However, age, educational attainment, and total monthly household income all have non-significant weak correlations with attitude. Meanwhile, educational attainment has a weak but statistically significant positive correlation with practices for reading food labels (r = 0.1898, p < 0.1373). The most preferred SSBs were soft drinks, fruit juice, whole/full cream milk, chocolate drink, and yogurt drink. Notably, the frequency of purchasing yogurt drinks was negatively correlated with educational attainment (r = -0.1713, p = 0.2109). The purchase of chocolate drinks (powdered and liquid) showed a positive correlation with monthly household income (r = 0.2147, p = 0.0051), while soft drink purchases were negatively correlated with monthly household income (r = -0.1740, p = 0.2409). Some parents had misconceptions about energy drinks. Overall, the findings indicate a need for focused interventions to increase parental understanding and practices regarding SSBs, particularly among low-income households, to encourage healthier beverage choices for children.