Improving access to drinking water in schools to promote better health for children.

Advancing Water Security: A Community Participatory School-Based Hydration Intervention

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10857857

This study is all about helping kids drink more water instead of sugary drinks at school, so they can stay hydrated and healthier, especially those who might not have easy access to water.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10857857 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing hydration among children by promoting the consumption of drinking water over sugar-sweetened beverages in schools. It involves a community participatory approach where local schools collaborate to identify barriers to hydration and implement solutions, such as installing water refill stations. The program aims to improve hydration practices and reduce obesity and dental caries, particularly in marginalized youth. By using a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated across several elementary schools.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those attending Title I elementary schools in economically deprived communities.

Not a fit: Children who do not attend participating schools or those who are not within the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for children by reducing obesity and dental issues through better hydration practices.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that school-based hydration interventions can effectively improve children's beverage choices and health outcomes, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.