Free access to drinking water in schools : development of a survey tool

Abstract

Introduction: Water is important for many physiological functions in the human body and contains no calories, making it the ideal source of hydration and an imperative alternative to Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs). The consumption of SSBs is identified as a risk factor for weight problems in children (overweight and obesity) and is also linked to the development of type 2 diabetes.1 Targeting schools to increase consumption of water can have an effect on the consumption of SSBs.2 Method: A literature search was done in Google Scholar, PubMed and HyDi database for a survey tool which assesses the provision of drinking water that was already validated and piloted. Three studies were found relevant for this purpose. A draft tool was produced and was then validated using face validation and also piloted in four schools to produce the final survey tool which is quantitative in nature. Conclusion: The survey tool that was developed and piloted in this study can be used to assess the provision of drinking water across Maltese schools.