Poster #40 - Water Accessibility/Availability and Intake in Family Childcare Homes: Interview Data from the Drink Well Study

• In Event: Poster Session 07

Abstract

Introduction
Drinking enough water is important for children’s overall health and drinking water instead of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) can help prevent obesity and dental caries (Bleich & Vercammen, 2018; Edmonds et al., 2009). However, one in two children in the U.S. is inadequately hydrated and one in six children do not drink any tap water (Kenney et al., 2015). Low water consumption and high SBB intake are more pronounced among low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations (Cradock et al., 2019). Family child care homes (FCCH) are an important setting to target water intake and access. Around two million U.S children, including many low-income and ethnic minority children, receive care from FCCH (Laughlin et al., 2010). Nonetheless, there is limited research in FCCH on water access and intake, despite being a higher risk setting. Therefore, the present study examines interview data from family child care providers (FCCP) in low-income communities to understand barriers, facilitators, and strategies to improved water availability and children’s intake in FCCH.

Method
This analysis is part of a larger mixed methods study designed to elucidate the barriers and strategies for improving water availability/accessibility in FCCH and pilot an intervention. The current study will examine formative interviews being conducted virtually with FCCH providers (FCCPs) in low-income communities. Participants were eligible if they: 1) own a FCCH within 60 miles of the PI’s institution that has been in operation for at least 6 months; 2) read and speak Spanish or English; 3) have internet access and; 4) care for at least two children ages 6-60 months. Interviewers asked questions about any challenges FCCPs face in providing water to children in their FCCH and getting them to drink it, current perceptions and practices around serving water to children, and ideas for potential strategies to improve water availability/accessibility and children’s intake. The interviews are typically around 45 minutes. Interviews are being transcribed and will be coded using constant comparative methods.

Results
As of 9/20/22, 18 interviews with FCCPs (47% Latina) have been conducted. Interviews will be completed by November. Preliminary findings reveal that barriers to water availability/accessibility include: children not liking the taste of water, parents not role modeling drinking water or providing water for their children, perceived poor water quality, worry about mess if children self-serve water, worry that children will have accidents if they drink water before napping, unclear federal guidelines, and lack of supplies or equipment (water bottles, filters, etc.). Additionally, interviews include potential strategies and needed resources, e.g., access to water filters, stations and water pitchers/thermos, educational materials for FCCP, children and parents, incorporating activities around water in the FCCH (e.g., coloring books, sticker charts, field trips).

Discussion
The current study will address important gaps related to access and intake of water among children in FCCH. In addition, this study can inform research and policy by elucidating potential strategies and solutions to improving water accessibility/availability and child intake, which is especially important for low-income/ethnic minority children who are at risk for poor diet and weight-related health outcomes.

Authors

• Vanessa Esquivel, University of Connecticut

• Sarah Wen Warykas

• Michelle Miller, University of Connecticut
  Presenting Author

• Viviana Zambrano

• Kim Gans, University of Connecticut