Community health education and mobilization for systems change to reduce sugary drink consumption

Background: The consumption of sugary drinks is directly related to weight gain and obesity. Research from the NYC Health Department (NYC DOHMH) indicates that the same neighborhoods with elevated rates of obesity and diabetes also have a higher proportion of residents that drink sugary drinks and a higher proportion of residents that drink four or more sugary drinks a day. A community mobilization and policy initiative targeting community-based organizations (CBOs) in these high-risk neighborhoods was developed.

Methods: The initiative provided educational presentations and materials to CBOs on the health hazards of sugary drinks, healthier beverage alternatives and actions organizations might take to reduce consumption among employees and clients. During structured follow-up, organizations were encouraged to adopt one or more of eight specific organizational activities and policies developed to reduce sugary drink consumption. For example, organizations were encouraged to distribute educational materials, make water available and provide only low-calorie drinks at functions.

Results: Between July and December 2010, 180 organizations were reached and with follow-up 58 have adopted at least one of the recommended policies or activities. It is estimated that these 58 organizations reach a total of 688,365 people annually. An additional 55 presentations were made to other groups which lack the authority to adopt policies (schools, non-affiliated groups, etc.). 7,412 people attended sugary drink presentations during this initial 6-month period.

Conclusions: These findings show that providing health education designed to support specific organizational changes may both influence community norms, and provide a basis for larger policy changes.