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A randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine whether a simple educational intervention targeting parents of young infants could have an impact on the consumption of juice and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in early childhood and decrease overweight and obesity rates. Parents of 2- to 4-month-old infants were randomized into intervention (n = 67) and control (n = 77) groups. Parents completed questionnaires about juice and SSB consumption and knowledge at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Intervention parents received informational handouts and watched videos about the health effects of juice and SSBs. Knowledge about juice increased significantly in the intervention group compared with control (P <.01) and was significantly higher in black/African American parents (P <.05) and those with some college education (P <.05). The intervention had a significant impact on the knowledge gained by parents about the health effects of juice and SSBs but did not decrease the consumption of sugary drinks or change children's weight status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Assess caregivers' knowledge about juice and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and identify factors that contribute to their early introduction. Methods: One hundred forty-four parents of young infants completed a 45-item questionnaire focused on infant nutrition. Results: Seventy-two percent of parents plan to give juice to their babies starting in the first year of life; only 16% plan to introduce SSBs. Parents with some college education or more were significantly less likely to report an intention to introduce juice (P <.0001) and SSBs (P <.001) in their children's diets. Education level was significantly associated with knowledge about juice and SSBs (P <.001). Parents with higher knowledge were significantly less likely to plan on introducing juice (P <.001) and SSBs (P <.001). Conclusion: Parents of young infants lack enough knowledge about the detrimental effects of juice and sugary drinks. These knowledge gaps give pediatric providers a unique opportunity to provide anticipatory guidance starting in early infancy on the adverse health effects of juice and SSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]