Effect and satisfaction of direct drinking water equipment in middle and primary schools of Shanghai

Objective To evaluate the impact of direct drinking water equipment on drinking habit and student satisfaction on direct drinking water equipment. Methods This research investigated 1 117 students via network questionnaire survey. The contents of questionnaire included drinking habit before and after direct drinking water equipment launched, as well as satisfaction to the equipment. Results After direct drinking water equipment launched, an increase of 23.0% (n = 123) students chose drinking water at school, and a decrease of 88 students (19.8%) consuming less than 500 ml of water per day. Equipment usage was higher in primary schools (97.7%) than junior (82.1%) and senior middle school (87.8%) (P<0.05). The satisfaction on direct drinking water equipment was 63.1% and was highest (75.5%) among primary school students. The satisfaction on water odor, taste and temperature was lower than 60%. Eighty-eight cases of boiling water burn were reported. Conclusion Direct drinking water equipment could improve drinking habits among students in Shanghai. More work should be carried out to improve satisfaction and concerns should be paid on accidents caused by direct drinking water equipment.