Introduction and Objective: Sugary drinks increase risk for type 2 diabetes, yet they remain a significant source of added sugars in the diet. School-based interventions are a promising approach to reduce SSB consumption. We partnered with two elementary-middle schools to characterize the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to sugary drinks with the future goal of co-designing school-based efforts to reduce SSB consumption in youth, their families and the school staff. This abstract presents caregiver findings. Methods: Participants completed surveys and participated in semi-structured focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data used a descriptive analysis design. Results: Caregivers (n=99) (74% F; 40% Black; 52% non-Hispanic; 30% high school/GED) completed surveys, and 17 participated in focus groups. Most report that it is important to avoid SSBs (72%) and are confident (63%) in their ability to do so, yet caregivers and their children regularly drink SSBs caregivers (4.9 SSB/wk); students (7.7 SSB/wk). They express knowledge gaps about the role of SSBs in chronic disease risk and are interested in nutrition/disease prevention education. Factors such as price, taste preference and habit drive beverage choices. Conclusion: Public health and education efforts are urgently needed to address caregiver knowledge gaps regarding health risks associated with SSB. Disclosure J. Pike: None. K. Haberlin-Pittz: None. L.A. Machuca: None. N. El Yaman: None. T.S. Hannon: None. Funding The Lilly FoundationRiley Children's Foundation
PIKE et al. (2026) studied this question.