F.U.E.L (fluids used effectively for living): a nutrition education program to change knowledge, attitudes and behavior of grade nine students toward healthy beverage consumption

Abstract

TEXT: Intakes of soft drinks have increased dramatically over the past decade and intake of milk has declined. Excessive consumption of soft drinks rather than milk may compromise the attainment of peak bone mass during adolescence. Overweight and obesity are also implicated as being the result of inappropriate beverage consumption. This study sought to design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition education program aimed at promoting healthy beverage consumption among high school students. A pair of high schools in Saskatoon matched in regards to neighborhood and beverage accessibility were selected for the study, and assigned to either a peer-led or teacher-assisted teaching program. Same-age high school peers, cross-age university nutrition students and recent nutrition graduates participated in the delivery of the peer-led curriculum. Complete packages of curriculum materials were provided to both groups of students. The pre-test/post-test evaluation shows that students in the peer-led school had significant improvements in knowledge and attitude of healthy beverages; further, this group showed a significant decline in non-carbonated (sugary) beverage intake and a small decline in carbonated beverage intake. All students expressed satisfaction with the duration, dose intensity and quality of curriculum delivery. A multifactorial and interactive curriculum design is an effective approach to help teens learn about healthy beverage consumption.