Date

1-14-2026

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Master of Science in Public Health in Epidemiology (MSPH)

Chair

Linnaya Graf

Keywords

Sugary drink consumption, Social Cognitive Theory, Health awareness, Public health

Disciplines

Public Health

Abstract

Introduction/Background: Sugary drink consumption among college students remains a public health concern due to its association with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Despite high awareness of health risks, consumption among emerging adults remains elevated. Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory, this study examined the psychosocial, behavioral, and environmental determinants of sugary drink consumption among residential students at Liberty University. Objective: To identify key predictors of sugary drink consumption and evaluate how expectations, self-regulation, and environmental factors shape beverage behaviors. Design, Setting, Participants: This cross-sectional study used an anonymous Qualtrics survey distributed on campus. Of approximately 745 eligible residential students, 473 responded; after data cleaning, 452 valid responses were retained.

Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome was frequency of sugary drink consumption (0 = Never to 4 = Daily). Independent variables included demographic factors, perceived mood/energy effects, nutritional awareness, accessibility, price influence, peer influence, and health-related self-regulation. Results: Sugary drink consumption was highly prevalent, with 54% reporting frequent or daily intake. Ordinal logistic regression showed that perceived mood/energy benefits were the strongest predictors of higher consumption. Students reporting strong mood/energy effects had significantly higher odds of frequent intake (OR = 4.89, 95% CI 2.60 – 9.19, p < 0.001). Price influence predicted higher consumption (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.01– 3.04, p = 0.044). In contrast, peer influence (p = 0.56), accessibility (p = 0.47), and general health awareness (p = 0.68) were not significant. Students who allowed health concerns to guide their choices had significantly lower consumption (OR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.09 – 0.36, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Internal expectations, emotional reinforcement, and self-regulation, but not environmental access alone drive sugary drink consumption among residential students at Liberty University. Faith-based interventions emphasizing stewardship, self-control, and healthier alternatives may effectively reduce intake within Christian university settings.

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