Sugary Beverage Consumption, Not Water, Increases in Springtime among Low-Income Arizona 4th and 5th Graders

Abstract

Objective: To measure change in sugary beverage consumption with nutrition education among low-income 4th and 5th graders. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: Fifteen percent of US children aged 6 to 11 years are overweight, with an additional 30% at risk. Sugary beverage consumption is linked to obesity and US Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting intake. We hypothesized that nutrition education would result in decreased sugary beverage consumption. Study Design, Setting, Participants, and Intervention: The University of Arizona Nutrition Network (UANN) provides general nutrition education training and materials, aligned with USDA guidelines, to teachers at SNAP-Ed eligible schools. UANN administered self-report behavioral questionnaires to students in 8% of participating 4th and 5th grade classrooms in 5 Arizona counties in both Fall and Spring. Outcome, Measures and Analysis: Descriptive statistics were computed for student demographics and beverage consumption on the prior day. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate change in classroom averages between Fall and Spring. Results: Thirty-three classrooms participated (N1⁄4770 pre, 765 post, 90% complete surveys). Participant characteristics: 71% 4th graders, 50.5% female, 10.1 years of age. Fall sugary beverage consumption was 1.05 ( 0.23) times the previous day; milk and water were consumed 1.58 ( 0.24) and 5.20 ( 0.70) times, respectively. As expected, Arizona springtime beverage consumption increased overall (3.2%). Sugary beverage consumption increased 14.4% and accounted for the greatest portion of the total increase (p1⁄40.006). Small increases in milk (p1⁄40.03) and water (p1⁄40.86) were observed. Conclusions and Implications: This study suggests the need for beverage specific education to shift the children toward more healthful choices. Further research is needed to assess beverage consumption patterns longitudinally, controlling for season. Funding: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education.