1
|
Haklar I, Stephens J, Bowden J, Trigg J. Vaping industry participation standards in health organizations: an exploratory policy content analysis. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad146. [PMID: 37943847 PMCID: PMC10636788 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaping industry has been found to employ similar tactics to tobacco industry actors to seek credibility and distort the scientific evidence base around the health harms of nicotine vaping products. As vaping industry interests undermine vaping control efforts, safeguards are necessary to protect against this influence. We aimed to examine health organizations' policies on vaping industry participation in their activities in Australia. A descriptive approach integrating policy analysis and key informant surveys was used to obtain vaping industry participation information from health research stakeholders. Descriptive statistics on organization type, policy document type, policy document industry focus (tobacco or vaping) and respondent role and responsibility were collected. We used framework analysis to identify themes describing organizational allowances, constraints, and rationale for vaping industry research participation. Relevant health organizations were identified within Australia for policy searching (n = 156), which identified 47 unique policy documents. After contacting 267 key stakeholders from eligible organizations, 31 survey responses were analysed. Research organizations and universities were highly represented in both the policy and survey data. Most health research stakeholders recognized that vaping industry interests counteract public health priorities and opposed vaping industry participation. However, many organizations lacked clear, vaping industry-specific participation policies. To protect the integrity of the emerging evidence base around vaping harms which inform vaping policy, health organizations require strong, comprehensive policies to resist vaping industry participation in research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Haklar
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Kaurna (Bedford Park), South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Stephens
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Kaurna (Bedford Park), South Australia 5042, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Kaurna (Bedford Park), South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Bowden
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Kaurna (Bedford Park), South Australia 5042, Australia
- National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University, Kaurna (Bedford Park), South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Joshua Trigg
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Kaurna (Bedford Park), South Australia 5042, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Kaurna (Bedford Park), South Australia 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
DeVito NJ, Drysdale H, McKee M, Goldacre B. E-cigarette manufacturers' compliance with clinical trial reporting expectations: a case series of registered trials by Juul Labs. Tob Control 2023; 32:60-66. [PMID: 34127550 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a frequently debated topic in public health. It is essential that clinical trials examining e-cigarettes are fully and accurately reported, especially given long-standing concerns about tobacco industry research. We assess the reporting of clinical trials sponsored by Juul Labs, the largest e-cigarette company in the USA, against accepted reporting standards. METHODS We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for all trials sponsored by Juul Labs and determined those with registry data consistent with coverage by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act 2007 (FDAAA). For trials with a primary completion date more than 1 year earlier, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov, the academic literature and a Juul-funded research database (JLI Science) for results. For located results, we compared reported outcomes with registered outcomes in line with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) reporting guidelines. RESULTS We located five registered trials sponsored by Juul Labs that appeared covered by the FDAAA 2007 in the public data. All five trials did not have results available on ClinicalTrials.gov. We found one publication and four poster presentations reporting results for four of the five covered trials outside of ClinicalTrials.gov. Of 61 specified outcomes, 28 were CONSORT compliant. Specific outcome reporting issues are detailed. DISCUSSION Our findings raise substantial concerns regarding these trials. Clinicians, public health professionals, and the public cannot make informed choices about the benefits or hazards of e-cigarettes if the results of clinical trials are not completely and transparently reported. Clarification and potential enforcement of reporting laws may be required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J DeVito
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Henry Drysdale
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ben Goldacre
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lencucha R. Situating Food Industry Influence: Governance Norms and Economic Order Comment on "'Part of the Solution': Food Corporation Strategies for Regulatory Capture and Legitimacy". Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2736-2739. [PMID: 35658334 PMCID: PMC9818085 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.7197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lacy-Nichols and Williams provide important new insights into the ongoing contest over policy space and consumer behavior. I attempt to situate these insights in relation to government mandates and governance norms and situate these norms and mandates in the prevailing economic order. This approach is necessary to understand how corporate practices persist and why governments are receptive to the approaches outlined in the analysis conducted by Lacy-Nichols and Williams. This approach can help explain why governments are often receptive to corporations positioning themselves as 'part of the solution'. Governments want strong economies and big food positions itself as contributor to this end. The point I attempt to articulate is that we often conceive of corporate power as power over, while I suggest that corporate power is rather power within and through a system that is oriented towards profits and economic growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Semple S, Dobson R, O'Donnell R, Zainal Abidin E, Tigova O, Okello G, Fernández E. Smoke-free spaces: a decade of progress, a need for more? Tob Control 2022; 31:250-256. [PMID: 35241597 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Adoption of smoke-free measures has been one of the central elements of tobacco control activity over the past 30 years. The past decade has seen an increasing number of countries and proportion of the global population covered by smoke-free policies to some extent. Despite reductions in global smoking prevalence, population growth means that the number of non-smokers exposed to the harms caused by secondhand smoke remains high. Smoke-free policy measures have been shown to be useful in protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke, and can additionally increase cessation and reduce smoking initiation. Policies tend to be aimed primarily at enclosed public or workplace settings with very few countries attempting to control exposure in private or semiprivate spaces such as homes and cars, and, as a result, children may be benefiting less from smoke-free measures than adults. Compliance with legislation also varies by country and there is a need for education and empowerment together with guidance and changing social norms to help deliver the full benefits that smoke-free spaces can bring. Restrictions and policies on use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in smoke-free settings require more research to determine the benefits and implications of bystanders' exposure to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol, dual use and smoking cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Semple
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Ruaraidh Dobson
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Rachel O'Donnell
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Emilia Zainal Abidin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Olena Tigova
- Tobacco Control Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology - ICO, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Control, Catalan Institute of Oncology, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Tobacco Control Research Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Okello
- African Centre for Clean Air, Kampala, Uganda.,Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,AirQo, College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esteve Fernández
- Tobacco Control Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology - ICO, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Control, Catalan Institute of Oncology, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Tobacco Control Research Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Freeman B, Watts C, Astuti PAS. Global tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship regulation: what's old, what's new and where to next? Tob Control 2022; 31:216-221. [PMID: 35241591 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) bans are a cornerstone of comprehensive tobacco control laws. Global progress in implementing TAPS bans has been enabled by the adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Innovative TAPS policies are in place internationally and include: point-of-sale display bans, plain packaging of products, industry spending on TAPS disclosure reporting, bans on retailer incentive programmes, and regulation of TAPS in entertainment and online media. However, there is an over-reliance on entertainment and digital content producers and platforms to self-regulate TAPS. Ensuring TAPS laws are regularly examined to limit loopholes and remove exemptions is crucial to continued success. The definition of what constitutes TAPS can allow the tobacco industry to deploy corporate communication and political campaigns that skirt TAPS bans. TAPS laws must also maintain pace with the changing media landscape, which includes monitoring and reporting TAPS that cross international borders, primarily through digital media platforms. Limiting tobacco retail supply will also serve to prevent the continued undermining of TAPS bans. Leveraging global corporation to ensure enforcement of TAPS bans across borders is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Becky Freeman
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christina Watts
- Daffodil Centre, Faulty of Medicine and Health, The Univeristy of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Putu Ayu Swandewi Astuti
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Udayana University Faculty of Medicine, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hird TR, Gallagher AWA, Evans-Reeves K, Zatoński M, Dance S, Diethelm PA, Edwards R, Gilmore AB. Understanding the long-term policy influence strategies of the tobacco industry: two contemporary case studies. Tob Control 2022; 31:297-307. [PMID: 35241603 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper explores transnational tobacco companies' (TTCs) long-term policy influence strategies using two case studies, harm reduction and illicit tobacco, to identify lessons for the tobacco control movement and wider efforts to address the commercial determinants of health. METHODS Evidence from a broad combination of sources including leaked documents and findings from over two decades of TTC monitoring were reviewed for each case study and categorised using the Policy Dystopia Model, focusing on the primary discursive strategy and key instrumental (action-based) strategies used. RESULTS In both case studies, TTCs seek to advance their interests by engaging primarily in reputation management, coalition management and information management strategies over the long-term to propagate their over-riding discursive strategy-'we've changed, we are part of the solution'-despite clear evidence from both case studies that this is not the case. These strategies are globally coordinated and attempt primarily to reshape norms towards TTC involvement in tobacco control policy and delivery. Findings also suggest that industry denormalisation and the advent of Article 5.3 have led to the TTCs growing use of increasingly complex and opaque 'webs of influence'. CONCLUSIONS The tobacco control community must develop its own proactive long-term strategies which should include industry denormalisation, new ways to fund research that reduce industry control, and improved transparency measures for research and policy. These findings, including TTC adaptations to Article 5.3, also indicate the need for more structural solutions, addressing corporate power and the underlying political and economic system. These lessons can be applied to other unhealthy commodity industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Dance
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Richard Edwards
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Legg T, Legendre M, Gilmore AB. Paying lip service to publication ethics: scientific publishing practices and the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World. Tob Control 2021; 30:e65-e72. [PMID: 33911028 PMCID: PMC8606453 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Litigation forced the dissolution of three major tobacco industry-funded organisations because of their egregious role in spreading scientific misinformation. Yet in 2017, a new scientific organisation-the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW)-was launched, funded entirely by tobacco corporation Philip Morris International (PMI). Experts fear FSFW similarly serves to benefit its funder's scientific and political agenda. We present three case studies of FSFW's publishing practices to explore: whether FSFW and its affiliates are acting with scientific integrity in their attempts to publish research; how conflicts of interest (COI) are governed in the journals FSFW targets; whether scientific publishing needs to be better protected from the tobacco industry in light of this, and if so, how. FSFW and its grantees have resorted to repeated obfuscation when publishing their science. FSFW staff have failed to act transparently and arguably have sought control over editorial processes (at times facilitated by PR firm, Ruder Finn). FSFW-funded organisations (including its Italian 'Centre of Excellence') and researchers affiliated with FSFW (including those working as editors and peer-reviewers) have failed to disclose their links to FSFW and PMI. While journals also failed to apply their COI policies, including on tobacco industry-funded research, the findings highlight that such policies are almost entirely dependent on researchers fully declaring all potential COIs. The paper explores ways to address these problems, including via standardised reporting of COI and funding in journals; journal policies prohibiting publication of tobacco industry-funded science; development of an author-centric database of financial interests; and legally mandated tobacco industry financial contributions to fund science on new tobacco and nicotine products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tess Legg
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Anna B Gilmore
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- STOP (Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products), Bath, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Patanavanich R, Glantz S. Successful countering of tobacco industry efforts to overturn Thailand's ENDS ban. Tob Control 2021; 30:e10-e19. [PMID: 33229463 PMCID: PMC8141069 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After Thailand enacted laws to ban the import and sale of all types of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs)) in 2015, pro-ENDS advocacy groups pressured the government to lift the ban, particularly after Philip Morris International (PMI) started promoting its HTP IQOS in 2017. METHODS We reviewed information related to ENDS in Thailand between 2014 and 2019 from Thai newspaper articles, meeting minutes and letters submitted to government agencies, websites and social media platforms of pro-ENDS networks and Thai tobacco control organisations. RESULTS The tobacco industry and the pro-ENDS groups used five tactics to try to reverse the Thai ban on ENDS: creating front groups, lobbying decision-makers, running public relations campaigns, seeking to discredit tobacco control advocates and funding pro-tobacco harm reduction research. ENDS Cigarette Smoking Thailand (ECST), a pro-ENDS group in Thailand, worked in parallel to Philip Morris Thailand Limited (PMTL) to oppose the ban. The group connected with international coalitions that promote harm reduction through the PMI-funded Foundation for a Smoke-Free World. CONCLUSION Although ECST and PMTL continuously worked to revoke the ban since 2017, the government still kept ENDS illegal as of October 2020. This decision resulted from the strong commitment and collaboration among Thai tobacco control organisations and their shared vision to protect the public's health from harmful tobacco products. The similar strategies used by the pro-ENDS movement in Thailand and the tobacco companies could inform health advocates and policy-makers in other low and middle income countries facing pressure to market ENDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roengrudee Patanavanich
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stanton Glantz
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Agrawal
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mitchell G, McCambridge J. Recruitment, risks, rewards and regrets: Senior researcher reflections on working with alcohol industry social aspects organisations. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:27-35. [PMID: 34170047 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A growing body of literature suggests alcohol industry corporate social responsibility activity, including the creation of 'social aspects' organisations (SAO), may harm rather than improve public health. We aimed to explore established researcher experiences of working with SAOs, and the factors informing their decisions to do so. METHODS Qualitative interview study with senior alcohol researchers who had previous or ongoing connections to SAOs or their predecessors initiated when their careers were established (n = 16). Thematic analysis using NVivo software. RESULTS Established researchers were recruited for their expertise by alcohol industry SAOs via employees who were previously academics or via academic colleagues with SAO connections. Motivated by the desire to improve public health and 'reach out' beyond academia, researchers were confident that they could maintain their independence when sharing their expertise with SAOs. Short-term connections included attendance at SAO-funded events and book chapter contributions. Sometimes, these led to long-term relationships with SAOs, or researchers were invited to long-term roles by a colleague. These included memberships of scientific advisory committees, board positions, or work as independent consultants. Most researchers reflected negatively on their experiences and had ended their associations, while some had positive experiences. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Current and former researchers play key roles in initiating connections with SAOs, with industry-funded events and invitations to long-term roles by trusted colleagues, mechanisms used to facilitate the development of such relationships. Our study adds to existing evidence that SAO scientific activity does not contribute to public health goals, but does present industry with public relations opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Mitchell
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Yach D. Foundation for a Smoke-Free World: independent and making progress. Lancet 2019; 394:1008. [PMID: 31544744 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)31892-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Derek Yach
- Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, Southport, CT 06890, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marks GB. Reducing the burden of respiratory symptoms and illness in the elderly and general population requires multi-pronged strategies. Respirology 2019; 25:232-233. [PMID: 31344754 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guy B Marks
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|