Abstract
Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are major sources of free sugars in diet. Their intake is associated with obesity, chronic diseases, and increased risk of premature deaths. Studies indicate SSB consumption impacts females more than males but limited evidence exists on SSB intake among women especially in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of SSB consumption among women aged 10–49 years in Kenya using secondary data from the first and second rounds of Kenya's Performance Monitoring for Accountability (PMA) nutrition surveys. Analysis was stratified by residence (rural vs. urban) and univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of SSB consumption. The prevalence was 52.4% (95% CI: 47.9, 56.8) increasing from 48.3% in 2018 to 63.6% in 2019. Prevalence was slightly higher in urban than rural areas (53.2% vs. 51.7%), those aged 20–29 years (54.1%), in union (52.9%), tertiary level of education (59.1%), richest (52.4%), and the employed (57.0%). Urban women had 1.29-fold higher odds compared to rural women. Education level was significantly associated with SSB consumption, with higher education linked to increased odds of consumption. The findings of this study highlight the need for development of policies that seek to reduce SSB consumption with the adoption of interventions that target urban residents, the educated, the rich, and overweight.