A Study on the Relationship between the Sugar Tax and Oral Health Perception in Korean Adults

• Published in: The Korean Society of Oral Health Science Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 44 - 51
• Main Authors: Choi, Yong-Keum, Kim, Eun-Jeong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국구강보건과학회 30.03.2020
• Subjects: 치의학
• ISSN: 2288-6079; 2635-6538
• DOI: 10.33615/jkohs.2020.8.1.44

Objectives: Sugar consumption continues to increase worldwide, and excessive sugar intake negatively affects both oral and systemic health. Many countries are attempting to reduce these adverse effects by imposing sugar taxes on products containing sugar. Korea is also trying to reduce sugar consumption, but does not currently have a sugar tax. The aim of this study was to investigate and to provide basic data on the association between sugar taxes and oral health awareness in Korea. Methods: Korean adults were surveyed to determine the relationship between their perception regarding introduction of a sugar tax and their perception of oral health and the association between their oral health knowledge and behavior, as well as to establish the subjects' knowledge of sugar taxes. Results: Subjects with a high interest in oral health also had a high interest in sugar taxes and a positive perception regarding the introduction of a sugar tax. Most of the study subjects, regardless of age or academic background, were unaware of sugar taxes and had not received education or information about sugar taxes. Therefore, press releases on sugar taxes and active publicity are needed to promote public interest in this area. Conclusions: People's awareness of sugar taxes should be increased, and campaigns should be actively implemented to reduce sugar consumption. In addition, since no national measures are currently in place regarding the introduction of a sugar tax, efforts will be needed to regulate market activities in the food industry and to regulate the price of sugar-rich products nationwide to reduce sugar consumption in Korea. KCI Citation Count: 0