Factors Associated with Beverage Intake in Low-Income, Overweight, or Obese Pregnant Women

Abstract

This study examined consumption proportions and factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and 100% fruit juice (FJ) consumption. We recruited Non-Hispanic Black (n = 136) and White (n = 192) low-income overweight or obese pregnant women aged 18 to 46 years (mean = 25.7 years) from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinics in Michigan, USA. Independent variables included weight status, trimester, smoking, stress, education, employment, race, and age. Dependent variables were high (consuming ≥ 1 serving/day) versus low consumptions of SSB, ASB, and 100% FJ. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to examine factors associated with beverage consumption. Out of the sample, 48.2%, 6.7%, and 31.3% reported high SSB, ASB, and 100% FJ consumption, respectively. SSB consumption was associated with smoking (OR: 3.77, p < 0.001), education (OR: 0.57, p = 0.03), and race (OR: 1.69, p = 0.03). Artificially sweetened beverage consumption was not associated with any factors examined. One hundred percent FJ consumption was associated with stress (OR: 0.90, p = 0.03) and race (OR: 4.48, p < 0.001). Clinicians may advocate for reductions in SSB and 100% FJ consumption tailored to client consumption characteristics.