摘要
To address childhood obesity, it is important to help children make better choices with regards to intake of sugary drinks and snacks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of a novel educational intervention designed to convert grams of sugar into teaspoons on labeled beverages. A convenience sample of children （n = 21） at a charter elementary school in Washington, D. C was studied. A pre-test required an estimation of teaspoons of sugar on labels, followed by a practice demonstration and song. A post-test was given requiring estimation of teaspoons of sugar in on the same labels. Two weeks later, a retention test as well as qualitative questions assessed participant learning and information usage. Test scores revealed increased accuracy from pre-test （26.2%） to post-test （79.8%）. Estimations were more accurate after the demonstration, as evidenced by the decreased range in average variation of responses （＋25.6 tsp to ＋1.8 tsp）. Two-week recall maintained accuracy （66.7%）, with an average variance of ＋3.8 teaspoons. Qualitative responses revealed participants had learned and used the conversion concepts. These results suggest that the educational intervention was effective. Qualitative data suggest behavior change, increased awareness, and the potential for change extending to caregivers.
