Adolescents’ Perspectives on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption: A Qualitative Study to Inform Health Promotion Strategies

Erlena (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Horizon, Karawang, East Java, Indonesia)
Dwi Sulistyo Cahyaningsih (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Horizon, Karawang, East Java, Indonesia)
Ahmad Mubarok (Faculty of Informatics, Universitas Horizon, Karawang, East Java, Indonesia)
Vera Yulyani (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Malahayati, Bandar Lampung, Lampung, Indonesia)

Jurnal Promkes: The Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Health Education
Vol. 14 No. SI2 (2026): Jurnal Promkes: The Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Health Educat

Background: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among adolescents is a public health concern because of its association with weight gain and obesity. Understanding adolescents’ experiences and perceptions is important for developing contextually relevant health promotion strategies. Objective: This study explored the experiences and perceptions of Gen-Z adolescents in Karawang regarding daily SSB consumption, focusing on attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and behavioural intentions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A descriptive qualitative study using a constructivist-interpretivist paradigm was conducted. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), each involving eight adolescents aged 13–17 years, were conducted, resulting in 24 participants. Semi-structured interviews with teachers were also conducted for source triangulation. Data were analyzed thematically using both deductive and inductive approaches, guided by TPB constructs and emerging themes. Results: Adolescents generally expressed positive attitudes toward SSBs, mainly because of their taste, cooling sensation, enjoyment, and habitual consumption. Peer influence and beverage trends on social media shaped subjective norms and contributed to consumption patterns. Easy access to SSBs in school canteens reduced adolescents’ perceived ability to control their intake. Although some participants were aware of health risks and intended to reduce consumption, a gap remained between intention and actual behaviour. Participants suggested the need for consumption monitoring, sugar tracking, reminders, goal setting, feedback, and peer challenges. Conclusion: SSB consumption among adolescents is influenced by interacting individual, social, and environmental factors. Health promotion should extend beyond education by supporting participatory and digitally enabled behavioural interventions, strengthening peer support, and creating school environments that facilitate healthier beverage choices.