Effects of a multipronged beverage intervention on young children's beverage intake and weight: a cluster-randomized pilot study. Issue 15 (15th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grummon, Anna H; Cabana, Michael D; Hecht, Amelie A; Alkon, Abbey; McCulloch, Charles E; Brindis, Claire D; Patel, Anisha I
• Is Part Of: Public health nutrition. Volume 22:Issue 15(2019)
• Page Start: 2856
• Page End: 2867
• Publication Date: 2019-07-15
• Subjects: Child care, -- Early childhood, -- Obesity prevention intervention, -- Beverage consumption, -- Overweight/obesity, -- Sugar-sweetened beverages, -- Water; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition policy -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1017/S1368980019001629
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-9800

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate whether a multipronged pilot intervention promoting healthier beverage consumption improved at-home beverage consumption and weight status among young children. Design: In this exploratory pilot study, we randomly assigned four childcare centres to a control (delayed-intervention) condition or a 12-week intervention that promoted consumption of healthier beverages (water, unsweetened low- or non-fat milk) and discouraged consumption of less-healthy beverages (juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, high-fat or sweetened milk). The multipronged intervention was delivered via childcare centres; simultaneously targeted children, parents and childcare staff; and included environmental changes, policies and education. Outcomes were measured at baseline and immediately post-intervention and included children's ( n 154) at-home beverage consumption (assessed via parental report) and overweight/obese status (assessed via objectively measured height and weight). We estimated intervention impact using difference-in-differences models controlling for children's demographics and classroom. Setting: Two northern California cities, USA, 2013–2014. Participants: Children aged 2–5 years and their parents. Results: Relative to control group children, intervention group children reduced their consumption of less-healthy beverages from baseline to follow-up by 5·9 ounces/d (95 % CI −11·2, −0·6) (–174·5 ml/d; 95 % CI –331·2, –17·7) and increased their consumption of healthier beverages by 3·5 ounces/d (95 % CI −2·6, 9·5) (103·5 ml/d; 95 % CI –76·9, 280·9). Children's likelihood of being overweight decreased by 3 percentage points (pp) in the intervention group and increased by 3 pp in the control group (difference-in-differences: −6 pp; 95 % CI −15, 3). Conclusions: Our exploratory pilot study suggests that interventions focused comprehensively on encouraging healthier beverage consumption could improve children's beverage intake and weight. Findings should be confirmed in longer, larger studies.