(P28-044-23) Development of a Primary-Care and Social-Marketing Based Sugary Drink Reduction Intervention: Qualitative Feedback From Community Pediatricians

Objectives: To evaluate pediatricians’ perceptions of the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of an innovative, primary-care and social marketing-based intervention designed to reduce sugary drink (SD) intake among Black youth (11-14 years old) in Washington D.C.

Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with providers (n=6) at a pediatric primary care clinic in an underserved area of Washington D.C. using a semi-structured interview guide. Pediatricians provided feedback on the proposed intervention model, specifically regarding 1) willingness of pediatricians and the clinic’s patient population to engage with the intervention; 2) familiarity with and attitudes towards behavior change counseling; 3) intervention feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability; and 4) suggestions for intervention content and delivery. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by a trained research assistant, after which emergent themes and subthemes were identified.

Results: Four overarching themes were: 1) key facilitators of intervention success, including familiarity and sustainability of SD reduction counseling, an impressionable target age group, and multi-generational approach; 2) key barriers to intervention success, such as limited appointment time, need for outside support to maintain social media messaging, and perceived hesitancy of families to change; 3) strategies to promote participant engagement, such as incentives, community champions, and popular social media platforms to deliver current and engaging materials; and 4) suggestions for intervention content such as safety of tap water and health risks associated with SD intake.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate that pediatricians are enthusiastic about the intervention and view SD reduction counseling as feasible, acceptable, and sustainable in the primary care setting. The use of popular social media platforms was viewed as a key strength of the intervention despite some concerns about sustainability. Development of concise, culturally relevant intervention materials is in progress and content will continue to be refined through additional interviews with members of the target population and their parents.

Funding Sources: Mid-Atlantic Center for Cardiometabolic Health Equity (MACCHE)