Perceived effectiveness of sugar tax on human consumption behaviour in Gauteng

Abstract

Excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with higher rates of overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity are correlated with high risk of non-communicable diseases and increased mortality. South Africa is classified as one of the nations where individuals excessively consume sugar-sweetened beverages, leading to a rise in obesity rates and increasing healthcare expenses.South Africa implemented a sugar tax in 2018 to reduce the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The goal was for manufacturers to adjust their products by lowering sugar content, or for consumers to either switch to healthier options or decrease their intake of sugary drinks in response to the higher prices. This study has investigated whether the sugar tax has effectively changed the consumption behaviour of sugar-sweetened beverages among Gauteng residents. It also examines the impact of knowledge about the sugar taxand health awareness campaigns on consumption behaviour. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by administering a self-assisted online questionnaire to 140 participants in Gauteng who were selected using convenience and snowballing sampling technique. The data collected was examined using Chi-square in the Statistical Package for Social Pre-programming. The study found insignificant association between sugar tax and consumption behaviour. Additionally, knowledge about sugar tax and health awareness programmes were also found to insignificantly impacted consumption behaviour. Only 18% of Gauteng people altered their consumption behaviour due to the sugar tax, as indicated by the results. 42% of participants altered their consuming habits upon being diagnosed with Non-Communicable Diseases(NCDs). The sugar tax was considered ineffectual in altering human consumption behaviour in Gauteng.