Health awareness concerning soft drinks: Implications for nutritional outcomes among adults in Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to evaluate the level of health awareness related to soft drink (SD) consumption among adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, and to explore its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics, expenditure patterns, and nutritional outcomes measured by body mass index (BMI). A random sample of 370 individuals was selected from Al-Ahsa Governorate to collect primary data through an electronic questionnaire. The data were investigated using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, ANOVA table, and Pearson’s correlation. The findings revealed that only 3.5% of the sample consumes Pepsi ‘daily’, whereas 27.6% of individuals consumed Coca-Cola ‘rarely once a week’. Generally, the weekly consumption of various SDs is very low. Conversely, there is a statistically significant disparity of 10% between individuals who consumed SDs and those who perceived a link between SDs and health risks, such as obesity and diabetes as indicated by Chi-square test (8.94). The results also signify that while most participants are aware of the adverse effects of SD intake on health—particularly SDs’ link with obesity, diabetes, and nutrient deficiencies, the nutritional outcome remains influenced by sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, education, and marital status. Interestingly, the study found no significant association between health awareness and BMI, suggesting that awareness alone may not directly translate into improved nutritional outcomes. However, the findings highlight the potential role of fiscal policies, such as the national excise tax on sugary beverages, in curbing consumption. Participants with greater awareness tended to report lower weekly spending on SDs, reflecting the impact of both financial and educational interventions. Future research should consider longitudinal designs to assess behavioral trends over time, incorporate objective nutritional assessment tools, and examine additional lifestyle factors.