Tang Claudia S, Mars Monica, James Janet, de Graaf Kees, Appleton Katherine M
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole House, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth BH12 5BB, UK.
Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Foods. 2021 May 24;10(6):1172. doi: 10.3390/foods10061172.
Worldwide initiatives currently aim to reduce free sugar intakes, but success will depend on consumer attitudes towards sugar and the alternatives. This work aimed to explore attitudes towards sugar, sweeteners and sweet-tasting foods, towards consumption and related policies, in a sample of the general public of the UK. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 34 adults (7 males, ages: 18-65 years). Thematic analysis identified six themes: 'Value' (e.g., pleasure, emotions), 'Angle' (e.g., disinterest), 'Personal Relevance' (to be concerned and/or change one's own behavior), 'Personal Responsibility' (one has an active relationship with these food items), 'Understanding' (the acquisition, comprehension and application of information) and 'It's Not Up to Me' (a passive approach, because intake is subjected to other factors). Both positive and negative attitudes towards sugar, sweeteners and sweet-tasting foods were expressed in all themes. Participants also reported varied engagement with and motivations towards all food items, with implications for intakes. Suggested challenges and potential strategies for reducing free sugar intakes highlighted the need for differing approaches. Future work should assess associations between attitudes and intakes. For greatest population benefit, evidence of the dominant attitudes in those in greatest need of reduced free sugar intakes would be of value.
目前，全球倡议旨在减少游离糖的摄入量，但成功与否将取决于消费者对糖及其替代品的态度。这项研究旨在探讨英国普通公众样本对糖、甜味剂和甜味食品的态度，以及对消费和相关政策的态度。对34名成年人（7名男性，年龄在18至65岁之间）进行了焦点小组讨论和访谈。主题分析确定了六个主题：“价值”（如愉悦、情感）、“角度”（如不感兴趣）、“个人相关性”（关注和/或改变自己的行为）、“个人责任”（与这些食品有积极的关系）、“理解”（信息的获取、理解和应用）和“不关我的事”（一种消极的态度，因为摄入量受其他因素影响）。在所有主题中，参与者对糖、甜味剂和甜味食品都表达了积极和消极的态度。参与者还报告了对所有食品的不同参与度和动机，这对摄入量有影响。减少游离糖摄入量的建议挑战和潜在策略强调了采取不同方法的必要性。未来的研究应该评估态度与摄入量之间的关联。为了使最大多数人受益，了解最需要减少游离糖摄入量人群的主要态度证据将很有价值。
