Increasing Drinking Water Availability in Middle Schools
Author Information
Author(s): Patel Anisha I., Bogart Laura M., Klein David J., Schuster Mark A., Elliott Marc N., Hawes-Dawson Jennifer, Lamb Sheila, Uyeda Kimberly E.
Primary Institution: University of California at San Francisco
Hypothesis
Does providing and promoting drinking water in schools increase its consumption among students?
Conclusion
Providing filtered, chilled drinking water in school cafeterias along with promotion and education increases water consumption among middle school students.
Supporting Evidence
- Students at the intervention school had higher odds of drinking water from fountains and reusable bottles compared to the comparison school.
- At 2 months postintervention, 82.6% of intervention students reported drinking any water at school.
- Only 9% of students reported bringing their reusable water bottles to school 2 months after the intervention.
Takeaway
This study shows that when schools give kids easy access to cold drinking water and encourage them to drink it, they drink more water.
Methodology
A 5-week pilot intervention was conducted in a Los Angeles middle school, providing cold, filtered water and promoting its consumption through education and activities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the influence of external factors like media reports on water safety during the study.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and self-reported data, which may affect the accuracy of beverage consumption measurements.
Participant Demographics
Students from a Los Angeles middle school, primarily Hispanic and eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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