Use of honey as a substitute for cane sugar: A case study of Makerere University staff

Abstract

Excessive sugar intake has been associated with a number of negative effects on the body such as obesity, dental carries and diabetes. In an effort to reduce the incidence of these effects, honey is being used as a sweetener since it has a lower glycemic index and calorie content compared to cane sugar. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices around the use of honey as a substitute for cane sugar among the staff members of Makerere University (n=89). A cross-sectional study involving both qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices around the use of honey as a substitute for sugar. Of the 89 respondents that were considered, 52 were male while 37 were female. Although the majority (76.4%) used or consumed honey, only 22.5% used it as a sweetener while 62.9% used cane sugar as the major sweetener in the different ways. Most of them had good knowledge about honey and a positive attitude towards the use of honey. Most of the respondents (60%) used honey because they perceived it as being a healthier alternative to sugar. Sugar on the other hand was used (70.8%) because it was cheap and readily available. Respondents who used honey for sweetening beverages consumed significantly lower (p < 0.05) energy (32.63 kcal) compared to those who used sugar (79.37 kcal) through use of these respective sweeteners in a day. Therefore, honey could be safely used as a substitute for sugar for people aiming at reducing energy intake.