Association Between the Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and High-Caffeine Drinks and Self-Reported Mental Health Conditions Among Korean Adolescents

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Abstract
Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents underscores the need for early intervention. Of concern is the increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and high-caffeine drinks, which may adversely affect adolescent mental health. This study examined their association with stress perception, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and loneliness among Korean adolescents. Methods: Data were derived from the 2022 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative dataset comprising 51,850 Korean adolescents aged 12–18 years. Beverage consumption frequency was categorized into three groups: none, 1–4 times per week, and ≥5–6 times per week. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mental health conditions, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Compared with non-consumers, adolescents who consumed SSBs ≥5–6 times per week exhibited significantly higher odds of stress perception (AOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.24–1.46), depressive symptoms (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19–1.46), suicidal ideation (AOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.39), and loneliness (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.28–1.61). Similarly, frequent consumption of high-caffeine drinks (≥5–6 times per week) was associated with increased odds of stress perception (AOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.99–2.29), depressive symptoms (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.62–1.88), suicidal ideation (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.86–2.24), and loneliness (AOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.59–1.87). Conclusions: Frequent consumption of SSBs and high-caffeine drinks is significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes among Korean adolescents. Given the increasing intake of these beverages, targeted public health interventions are warranted to mitigate their potential negative impact on adolescent mental well-being.

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