The Effectiveness of a Social Network-Implemented Intervention to Promote Water Consumption: A Cluster-Randomized Control Trial

• In Event: Complementary and Integrative Treatments and Interventions

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a social network-implemented intervention promoting water consumption. Children (N = 210, ages 9-13 years) were randomly assigned by school to the experimental (n = 106) or control condition (n = 104). The intervention consisted of identifying and training the most influential children in each classroom to promote water consumption within their social networks. The schools in the control condition did not receive any intervention. Water consumption, sugar-sweetened beverages consumption (SSBs), and intentions to drink more water in the near future, were assessed before and after the intervention was implemented. Findings revealed that children who were exposed to the intervention consumed more water, less SSBs, and showed a greater intent to drink more water than nonexposed children. These findings indicate that a social-network implemented intervention promoting water consumption could positively influence children’s consumption behaviors. This in turn could reduce the risk of obesity among children.

Authors

• Crystal Smit, Radboud University Nijmegen

• Rebecca de Leeuw, Behavioural Science Institute

• William Burk, Radboud U Nijmegen

• Moniek Buijzen, Radboud U Nijmegen