A Multicomponent Intervention Helped Reduce Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Economically Disadvantaged Hispanic Children

Purpose. This study aimed to examine the effect of a multicomponent intervention program on consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and lifestyle factors associated with SSB intake, in Hispanic children from low-income families. Design. A five-wave longitudinal study using a quasi-experimental design was conducted. Setting. Five elementary schools in West Texas served as the setting. Subjects. Participants included 555 predominantly Hispanic children (ages 5-9 years) from low-income families and their parents (n = 525). Intervention. A multicomponent intervention program was implemented. Measures. Children's anthropometric measures were obtained. Their weight status was determined based on body mass index for age and gender. Parents responded to a demographic questionnaire, a shelf inventory, an acculturation scale, and a family survey. Analysis. Growth curve analyses were used to test differences between intervention and comparison participants' SSB intake and to examine potential covariates. Results. Comparison group children's daily SSB intake significantly increased over time (B = 1.06 .40 ounces per month, p < .01), but this linear increase of SSB was slowed down by the intervention (B = -.29 +/- .12, p < .05). More daily TV time, more fast food intake, and more types of SSBs available at home were associated with higher SSB intake. Conclusion. Risk factors of childhood obesity were associated with each other. The intervention program produced a modest reduction in SSB consumed by economically disadvantaged and predominantly Hispanic children.