Changes in adolescents' intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and sedentary behaviour
Author Information
Author(s): Bjelland Mona, Bergh Ingunn H, Grydeland May, Klepp Knut-Inge, Andersen Lene F, Anderssen Sigmund A, Ommundsen Yngvar, Lien Nanna
Primary Institution: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo
Hypothesis
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention program on intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and screen time, and whether these effects varied by adolescents' gender, weight status, and parental educational level.
Conclusion
The preventive initiatives appeared to change behaviour in girls only, suggesting the importance of considering gender and other factors in obesity prevention interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- Girls in the intervention group spent significantly less time on watching TV/DVD and using computer/games compared to the control group.
- The intake of SSB during weekend days was significantly lower among girls in the intervention group.
- Parental awareness of the intervention was significantly higher among the parents of girls.
Takeaway
The study found that girls who participated in the program drank less sugary drinks and spent less time in front of screens, while boys did not show the same improvements.
Methodology
A cluster randomized controlled pre-post study design was used, with data collected from adolescents and their parents regarding beverage intake and screen time.
Potential Biases
Potential for social desirability bias in self-reported measures.
Limitations
The SSB consumption variables have not been validated, and the measures of sedentary behaviour consisted of single items, resulting in crude estimates.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 11-year-olds from 37 schools in Norway, with a mix of normal weight and overweight adolescents.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.001 for TV/DVD on weekdays, p = 0.03 for TV/DVD on weekends, p = 0.004 for computer/game-use on weekdays, p < 0.001 for computer/game-use on weekends, p = 0.04 for SSB intake on weekends.
Confidence Interval
(0.8, 0.9) for girls' SSB intake on weekends.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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