Impact of sugar board on sugar intake and oral hygiene practices among 12-15-year-old school children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Childhood obesity and dental caries pose significant health challenges among adolescents aged 12-15, with excessive sugar intake being a major contributing factor.  To reduce the risk of unhealthy weight gain and tooth decay, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to below 10 energy percent at all stages of life.Despite ongoing educational efforts, modifying dietary behavior in this age group remains challenging. This study addresses this gap by introducing a novel intervention, the "sugar board," designed to visually represent sugar content in common snacks and beverages to raise awareness and encourage healthier choices. Using a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design, we aim to rigorously assess the impact of the sugar board on sugar intake and oral hygiene practices. By evaluating the effectiveness of this innovative approach, this study aims to contribute insights that could inform future public health strategies, ultimately promoting better overall health and reducing the prevalence of obesity, dental caries and other health related consequences among 12-15-year-old school children.