title: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages: a survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess current beverage consumption patterns and anticipated reaction to an added 20 % tax on these products.
  
  
  METHODS
  A random-digit dialled telephone interview lasting 20 min was administered to assess demographics, beverage consumption behaviours and intentions regarding consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in the event of an additional tax on these beverages.
  
  
  METHODS
  Respondents were recruited throughout the USA.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 592 adults.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-nine per cent of respondents reported consuming at least one pre-packaged sugar-sweetened beverage in the past week; those who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages averaged seven pre-packaged beverages per week. Ninety-one per cent knew that frequent consumption of soft drinks increases risk of obesity. Thirty-six per cent supported a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages with greatest support among those aged 18-24 years, those with BMI < 30 kg/m2 and those with higher levels of education (P < 0·05). Over one-third of respondents said that they would cut back on their sweetened beverage consumption in the event of an added 20 % tax on these beverages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that an added tax on these beverages could influence some to cut down on their consumption, reducing their risk of obesity and related illnesses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA. Cheryl.rivard@roswellpark.org
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rivard
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: McCann
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hyland
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001628:Beverages / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004034:Diet Surveys; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013660:Taxes / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019422:Dietary Sucrose