Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward non-nutritive sweeteners among the population with reduced sugar intake requirement
Qiao Chen, Yan Zhang, Hui Li
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward non-nutritive sweeteners among a population with reduced sugar intake requirements. Methods This cross-sectional study used self-developed questionnaires to collect demographic characteristics and KAP towards non-nutritive sweeteners among respondents with reduced sugar intake requirements, i.e., overweight or obese individuals and patients with pre-diabetes or diabetes. Results A total of 639 valid questionnaires were collected, and 51.64% of participants were male. The KAP scores were 7.63 ± 3.58 (range: 0–11), 34.28 ± 7.47 (range: 12–60), and 15.48 ± 3.97 (range: 7–35), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that knowledge score was positively correlated with attitude ( r = 0.229, p < 0.001) and practice score ( r = 0.467, p < 0.001), while attitude was positively correlated with practice ( r = 0.312, p < 0.001). The structural equation model showed that knowledge was directly and positively associated with attitude (path coefficient = 0.48, p < 0.001) and practice (path coefficient = 0.46, p < 0.001). In addition, the attitude was directly and positively associated with practice (path coefficient = 0.12, p < 0.001). Besides, diabetes was associated with lower knowledge (path coefficient = −0.81, p = 0.038) and practice (path coefficient = −0.42, p < 0.041). Discussion Population with the reduced sugar intake requirement showed poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and suboptimal practices toward non-nutritive sweeteners. To optimize the utilization of non-nutritive sweeteners in accordance with medical prescriptions, especially for individuals with diabetes, tailored educational interventions may be designed for participants with lower KAP.