School-based obesity prevention program reduces soft drink consumption
Author Information
Author(s): Chin A Paw Marijke JM, Singh Amika S, Brug Johannes, van Mechelen Willem
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Can a school-based obesity prevention program effectively reduce sugar-containing beverage consumption among adolescents?
Conclusion
The DOiT program successfully reduced sugar-containing beverage consumption among boys but not girls, indicating the need for gender-specific interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention reduced sugar-containing beverage consumption by 303.5 ml/day in boys and 222.3 ml/day in girls.
- Boys showed improved attitudes towards reducing sugar-containing beverage consumption.
- Changes in attitude and habit strength were significant mediators for boys.
- The program did not significantly affect other energy balance-related behaviors.
- Girls did not show significant changes in mediators or consumption behaviors.
Takeaway
This study shows that a program in schools can help boys drink less soda, but it didn't work for girls, so we need to find better ways to help them.
Methodology
The study used a controlled, cluster-randomised trial design in Dutch prevocational secondary schools to evaluate the DOiT program.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias and potential over- or underreporting of behaviors may have influenced the results.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias, and the mediators and outcomes were measured simultaneously, complicating causal interpretations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adolescents aged 12-13 years from lower educational levels, with a mix of boys and girls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -502.4;-104.5 for boys, 95% CI: -371.3;-73.2 for girls
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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