Piloting "sodabriety": a school-based intervention to impact sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in rural Appalachian high schools.
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 with other adolescents, those residing in Appalachia have the highest consumption rates of SSBs.


METHODS
Using a Teen Advisory Council (TAC), 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/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.
Associate Professor, (smith.5764@osu.edu), College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, 342 Newton Hall, 1585 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210.
Laureen H
LH
Smith
Christopher
C
Holloman
D000293:Adolescent; D001061:Appalachian Region; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005509:Food Dispensers, Automatic; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012424:Rural Population; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students
D019422:Dietary Sucrose
adolescent health; obesity; peer intervention; sugar-sweetened beverages