A cluster-randomized controlled trial of an elementary school drinking water access and promotion intervention:...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Promoting water consumption in schools can reduce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and support healthy weight in children.
• Limited research exists in the U.S. on school-based water interventions' effects on dietary intake and weight over time.
• The Water First trial addresses this gap by evaluating a comprehensive school water intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Water First intervention on children's water consumption, dietary intake, and weight status.
• To assess the effectiveness of providing access to water and promoting its consumption in low-income elementary schools.
• To inform school water policies and programs for improved public health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A 5-year cluster randomized controlled trial involving 26 low-income public elementary schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Intervention components include installing water stations, providing cups/bottles, and a 6-month healthy beverage education campaign.
• Outcomes measured include water/beverage intake, caloric intake, BMI z-score, and overweight/obesity prevalence using difference-in-differences with mixed-effects regression.

Main Results:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract.

Conclusions:

• The Water First trial protocol is described, outlining a robust design to evaluate a school-based water intervention.
• If effective, findings will guide best practices for school water policies and broader public health programs.
• The study aims to provide evidence for promoting healthy beverage choices and combating childhood obesity through improved water access in schools.