Reducing children and young people’s consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages via primary dental care: a co-designed intervention and feasibility study

Reducing children and young people's consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) via primary dental care: a co-designed intervention and feasibility study Background Dental caries and obesity in children are global public health priorities, with sugar consumption a key risk factor in both these non-communicable diseases. SSBs are the main source of added sugar in the diet of children and young people (CYP) aged 11 to 18 years. Increased consumption of SSBs is associated with dental caries and erosion. It has also been found to be associated with type II diabetes. In the UK, the role of SSBs in dental caries and obesity has been recognised as a priority area for health policy.2-4 SSBs are a key cause of tooth decay in children, tooth decay can significantly impact a child's quality of life. Dental extractions remain the most common reason for hospital admissions in children. Yet surprisingly, there have been few studies on SSB consumption conducted in dental settings. Aim To co-design and conduct a feasibility study of an intervention delivered in primary dental care to reduce consumption of SSB by CYP. Objectives To systematically review evidence of behaviour change interventions implemented in primary dental care settings. To develop and co-design an intervention using participatory methods, based on behaviour change theory, aimed at reducing SSB consumption in CYP attending dental settings. To conduct a feasibility study exploring key parameters of uncertainty and process variables ahead of a definitive evaluation. Methods The project will be divided into three work packages. Work package 1 will involve a systematic review of the evidence of behaviour change interventions delivered via dental practices to inform the intervention development. Work package 2 will focus on co-designing the intervention with CYP and their parents/carers, as well as members of the dental team. Work package 3 will then assess the feasibility and implementation of the co-designed intervention through a feasibility study with an embedded process evaluation. This will explore key parameters of uncertainty, including recruitment and retention of settings and participants, appropriate outcome measures, and methods of data collection. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected to assess the acceptability, fidelity, and implementation of the intervention. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) will inform each work package. Anticipated Impact/ Dissemination The findings from work package 3 will inform decisions about progressing to a future definitive evaluation. The co-designed intervention will feed into primary care guidance for dental teams, with the potential for reduction in SSB consumption in CYP, improvement in oral health and reduction in hospital admissions for tooth extraction. This project will also develop research capacity in primary dental care, a currently underutilised setting for oral health research. The dissemination strategy includes patients and public, policy-makers, dental professionals and academics and will be designed with key stakeholders including PPIE representatives.