Exploring the Roles of Health Care Professionals in Reducing Children's Intake of Sugary Drinks
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Authors
Gilmore, Lisa B.
Issue Date
2012
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
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Abstract
Intake of sugary drinks, including soda, sweetened juice drinks and sports drinks, has
increased dramatically in the U.S. and is particularly high among children from lowincome
households. Their consumption is a public health concern due to the implications
for obesity and the displacement of other more nutrient-dense beverages. Health care
professionals have a unique opportunity to address sugary drinks with their pediatric
patients and parents in the context of assessment and/or education. The purpose of this
study was to learn about the perceptions and experiences of health care professionals in
Northern Nevada who are likely to treat children from low-income households. A mail
survey instrument was developed for this purpose and sent to 214 Washoe County
physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and dentists. A response rate of 30
percent (n=65) was achieved after two weeks of the initial mailing. From these surveys it
was determined that there is great concern among health care professionals regarding
pediatric consumption of sugary drinks. Of the health care professionals who returned
their surveys, 99 percent reported that they regularly or sometimes inquired about the
amount of sugary drinks their pediatric patients were consuming; and over 50 percent of
the health care professionals reported that they would use all of the resources stated in the
survey. The top three perceived barriers of health care professionals when addressing
sugary drinks were lack of parent concern, patient motivation, and time. The findings
will be used to develop additional strategies for an ongoing public health campaign,
known as “Rethink Your Drink”.
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In Copyright(All Rights Reserved)