High-Sugar Foods Consumption Determinants and Their Association with Dental Health Behavior and Status Among Students

Dian Muliawati; Ni Nyoman Kasihani; Rizki Sofian

doi:10.31965/dtj.v8i1.2511

Authors

Dian Muliawati Department of Dental Health, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta I, South Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
Ni Nyoman Kasihani Department of Dental Health, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta I, South Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
Rizki Sofian Department of Dental Health, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta I, South Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31965/dtj.v8i1.2511

Keywords:

Behavior, Sugar Consumption, Oral Health Status

Abstract

High-sugar food consumption is a major risk factor for oral diseases, particularly dental caries. Identifying its determinants is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of high-sugar food consumption behavior and its association with dental health behavior and dental health status among students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 380 students of Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Jakarta I who participated in a Free Health Check-up program at Klinik Pratama Polkesjasa in November 2025. Participants were selected using total sampling. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. The findings revealed that knowledge and psychological factors, as predisposing factors, were significantly associated with high-sugar food consumption behavior. Among enabling factors, availability and environmental factors showed significant associations. Social environment, as a reinforcing factor, was also significantly associated with high-sugar food consumption behavior (p < 0.005). In contrast, gender and attitude were not significantly associated with this behavior. Furthermore, no significant associations were found between high-sugar food consumption behavior and either dental health behavior or dental health status. In conclusion, knowledge, psychological factors, availability, environmental factors, and social environment are important determinants of high-sugar food consumption among students. These findings may support the development of targeted oral health promotion programs aimed at reducing high-sugar food consumption.

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