Childhood emotional and behavioral characteristics are associated with soda intake: A prospective study in Mexico City

Summary Objectives To evaluate whether childhood emotional and behavioral characteristics are associated with soda intake. Methods The study population included 391 Mexico City adolescents enrolled in a birth cohort study. When children were between 6 and 12 years of age, the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC)‐2 was administered. Nondiet soda intake was measured concurrently and again when participants were of peripubertal ages via food frequency questionnaire. Linear regression models were run with soda mL/day (cross‐sectional and change in soda over time) as the outcome and BASC composite scores as predictors (in separate models), adjusting for confounders. Results At baseline, children were 8.3 (SD 1.3) years (49% males). Three scales out of 18 examined had statistically significant associations. Parent‐reported adaptive skills were inversely associated with concurrent soda intake (β = −2.29 with 95% CI −4.27 to −0.31). Parent‐reported internalizing problems (higher = more problems) were related to higher change in soda intake from childhood to adolescence (β = 5.83 with 95% CI 0.98‐10.68; N = 191). Self‐reported school problems were associated with a higher change in soda intake over time (β = 9.46 with 95% CI 2.10‐16.82; N = 122). Conclusions Parent‐ and self‐reported emotional and behavioral difficulties in childhood were associated with soda consumption and changes in soda consumption over time.