Piloting “Sodabriety”: A School‐Based Intervention to Impact Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Rural Appalachian High Schools

Abstract

BACKGROUND Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the largest source of added sugar in the US diet. In adolescents aged 12–19, these drinks account for 13% to 28% of total daily calories. Compared to other adolescents, those residing in Appalachia have the highest consumption rates of SSBs. METHODS Using a Teen Advisory Council, a student-designed and student-led intervention was conducted at 2 high schools in a rural Appalachian county. Using repeated-measures models design with Bonferroni correction, data were collected on daily and weekly consumption of SSBs and of water at baseline, immediately post intervention, and 30 days post intervention. Vending machine surveys were completed. RESULTS The 186 participants reported purchasing SSBs from school vending machines (41.4%), cafeteria (36.5%), and school stores (7.7%). Daily SSB servings decreased from an average of 2.32 (SD = 2.14) to 1.32 (SD = 1.29) (p < .001). Weekly consumption decreased from an average of 4.30 (SD = 2.40) days per week to 2.64 (SD = 1.91) (p < .001). Water consumption increased 19% from baseline to immediately post intervention. CONCLUSIONS Student-directed efforts to support behavioral change are feasible and effective at affecting individual lifestyle behaviors. Small and manageable changes may lead to net improvements in lifestyle behaviors.

Impact of competitive foods in public schools on child nutrition: effects on adolescent obesity in the United States an integrative systematic literature review

“…Some studies included ages 6–12, and data were then extrapolated which focused on the age of inclusion for this review. The size of sample varied anywhere between 186 students involved in a high school intervention [45], to US student population age 10–17 across 50 states in the US [47]. …”

“…A study analysis by Mendoza et al [57], and Smith & Holloman [45], explored reductions in Kcal consumption by decreasing the energy density in foods and SSB’s sold in schools and possible associations with long-term weight loss and maintenance. Fox et al [58] discussed reductions in daily Kcalories from consumption of energy-dense foods and beverages in school with possible associations to weight of adolescents.…”

“…Cradock et al [43], measured data on consumption of SSB’s by high school students before and after policy change implementation, noting the mean per capita daily calorie consumption for students who consume SSB’s. Snelling et al [46], compared the NSLP and competitive food offerings and purchases in students in 3 high schools, and Smith & Holloman [45], examined the impact of SSB consumption among adolescents in high school settings and the Kcalorie implications it held.…”

“…Nanney et al [47], examined cross-sectional associations to discover if youth obesity prevalence and comprehensive school-based obesity prevention policies were linked. Smith & Holloman [45], analyzed the purchasing patterns of SSB consumption when restrictions on availability were implemented in school settings.…”

“…Association with sex/gender was examined in nine (50%) out of the 18 articles when looking at other effects [14,16,23,26,43,45,51,57,63]…”