Testing the weSIPsmarter Digital Program to Reduce Sugary Drink Intake in Rural Head Start Preschoolers and Their Parents

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a digital health program called weSIPsmarter to reduce sugary drink consumption among preschool-aged children and their parents in rural areas. The study focuses on families involved in rural Head Start programs in Appalachia and the southern Black Belt, aiming to improve health behaviors and prevent chronic conditions related to high sugary drink intake. This trial addresses a gap in interventions designed for rural communities and young children aged 2 to 5 years. The study randomly assigns 12 rural Head Start programs to either the weSIPsmarter intervention or a control group called weLearn2Read. The weSIPsmarter program includes interactive behavioral components such as self-monitoring of beverage intake and parenting practices, goal setting, a resource help line, and water vouchers for families concerned about tap water quality. Participants in this group complete six learning modules, track daily sugary drink consumption, and parents also record daily weight. The control group completes six educational modules focused on reading readiness and receives childrens books and optional reminders. Participants, which are parent-child pairs from the Head Start programs, will be assessed at the start, after 9 weeks, and again at 12 months. Measurements include sugary drink intake, weight, height, body mass index, diet quality, and parent health literacy. Researchers will also study parent engagement, the programs reach, and how well it is adopted and maintained by the Head Start centers. Total participation spans over one year, with focus on both reducing sugary drink use and sustaining healthier behaviors over time.

weSIPsmarter: Evaluating a Digital Health Intervention Aimed at Reducing Sugary Drinks Among Rural Head Start Preschoolers and Their Parents