Effects of the Program for Behavioral Modification to Decrease Soft Drinks and Snacks Consumption of Primary Students in Nakhonratchasima Primary Educational Service Area

Abstract

Nowadays, children’s consumption of soft drinks and snacks increased. The
reduction of snack consumption may result in a better nutritional status of the children
and also decrease risk factors for their health. This experimental research aimed to study
the effects of the program for behavioral modification to decrease soft drink and snack
consumption of primary students. Sixty students from 2 schools at Mueang District within
the Nakhonratchasima Primary Educational Service Area. Based on probability and a simple
random sampling, the samples were then equally divided into two groups: an experimental
group and a comparative group. After a questionnaire had been examined by 3 experts for
content accuracy, it was then used to collect data. The experimental group participated in
activities integrated with the program applying self-efficacy theory, together with social
support and a 4R technique which consisted of the utilization of relationship among group
members to set goals (Relationship & Goal setting), the repetition of data among peers
(Repeat), the record of soft drink and snack consumption behavior (Record) and the role of
peers as reminders (Remind). The experiment lasted 9 weeks. Paired t-test and independent ttest
were used to analyze the data, comparing the average scores within each group as
well as between groups.
Research findings showed that after the intervention, the experimental group was
more knowledgeable concerning the draw backs of too many soft drinks and snacks,
developed a higher self-efficacy, showed more expectation on outcomes and a remarkable
reduction in the consumption of soft drinks and snacks than before the experiment. The
experimental group was also duing better in major aspects compared to the control group.