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Abstract
Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the highest source of added sugar in the American diet. Approximately 70% of children aged 2-5 years consume at least one SSB daily. Consumption of sugary drinks displaces calories that could be consumed from more nutritious foods and contributes to increased risk for obesity and chronic disease. Black children are disproportionately high consumers of SSBs, partially due to targeted media. However, there is limited evidence showing whether media targeting healthy beverages is as compelling, considering the positive health impacts this could provide. Social media is a feasible way to disseminate health information, but there are few studies using the platform Instagram to target parents with health messages. Additionally, Instagram analytics data represents a rich and understudied tool for immediate feedback in health interventions. In this study, researchers developed a 12-week culturally appropriate healthy beverage campaign delivered on Instagram. The pilot campaign garnered N=88 followers during implementation. Study findings show that Black parents are active on Instagram, and that Instagram is an effective tool for engaging parents with health messaging. The present study contributes to literature aiming to decrease health disparities in Black populations and to improve the dietary quality of Black families.