Knowledge and attitude regarding added sugar consumption and its effects among students in Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to added sugar consumption among students at Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 healthcare students, primarily from MBBS (74.4%), nursing (10.9%), and pharmacy (6.3%) programs. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of added sugars, attitudes toward sugar intake, related dietary habits, and perceived barriers to reducing sugar consumption. Results: Although 79.4%-100% of students claimed to understand added sugar, only 50%-81% correctly defined it. While 70%-100% recognized the health risks, awareness of the World Health Organization recommendations was limited (33.3%-50%). Although 75.9% reported efforts to reduce sugar intake, only 24.4% regularly read food labels. Major barriers included taste preference (31.6%) and lack of knowledge (17.5%). No statistically significant differences were found across academic programs (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Despite high general awareness, a clear gap existed between knowledge and practice. Findings highlighted the need for targeted nutritional education that bridges this gap by enhancing practical skills and addressing cultural influences. Integrating active, culturally relevant nutritional education into health care curricula could empower future professionals to adopt healthier habits and effectively guide patients regarding added sugar consumption.