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Pitt H, McCarthy S, Arnot G. Children, young people and the Commercial Determinants of Health. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daad185. [PMID: 38294037 PMCID: PMC10828929 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The commercial determinants of health (CDoH) have a significant impact on the health and well-being of children and young people (subsequently referred to as young people). While most research has focused on the influence of harmful industry marketing on young people, more recent CDoH frameworks have emphasized that a range of commercial systems and practices may influence health and well-being. Focusing on the impact of traditional and digital media, contemporary marketing strategies and corporate production and consumption processes, the following article outlines the impact of the CDoH on the health and wellbeing of young people. The article also provides evidence about how young people conceptualize the impact of corporate actors on health, and their involvement in advocacy strategies to respond. The article recommends that when collaborating with young people to understand the impacts of and responses to the CDoH, we should seek to diversify investigations towards the impact of a range of corporate tactics, systems and structures, rather than simply focusing on the impacts of advertising. This should include considering areas and priorities that young people identify as areas for action and understanding why some young people are more vulnerable to commercial tactics than others. Youth are powerful allies in responding to the CDoH. Public health and health promotion stakeholders could do more to champion the voices of young people and allow them to be active participants in the decisions that are made about harmful commercial practices and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
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Sieferle K, Schaefer C, Bitzer EM. Management of evidence and conflict of interest in guidelines on early childhood allergy prevention and child nutrition: study protocol of a systematic synthesis of guidelines and explorative network analysis. F1000Res 2023; 11:1290. [PMID: 38239264 PMCID: PMC10794862 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.123571.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the rising prevalence of allergic diseases in children, prevention of childhood allergies becomes an important public health issue. Recently, a paradigm shift is taking place in the approach to preventing allergies, and clinical practice guidelines (CPG) and food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) play an important role in providing practitioners with the latest evidence and reliable guidance. However, concern about the methodological quality of the development of FBDGs and CPGs, including limitations in the systematic reviews, lack of transparency and unmanaged conflicts of interest (COI), reduce the trust in these guidelines. Methods We aim to synthesize the available guidance on early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP) through a systematic search for national and international CPGs and FBDGs concerning ECAP and child nutrition (CN) and to assess the quality of the guidelines and management of COI. Additionally, we will analyse the content and the evidence base of the recommendation statements. We aim to quantify the COI in guideline panellists and explore possible associations between COI and recommendations. Through a social network analysis, we expect to elucidate ties between panellists, researchers, institutions, industry and other sponsors. Guidelines are an important tool to inform healthcare practitioners with the newest evidence, but quality and reliability have to be high. This study will help identify potential for further improvement in the development of guidelines and the management of COI. If the social network analysis proves feasible and reveals more information on COI in comparison to disclosed COI from the previous analyses, the methodology can be developed further to identify undisclosed COIs in panelists. Ethics and dissemination This research does not require ethical approval because no human subjects are involved. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed open access journals and via presentations at scientific conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Sieferle
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, Pädagogische Hochschule, Freiburg, 79117, Germany
| | | | - Eva Maria Bitzer
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, Pädagogische Hochschule, Freiburg, 79117, Germany
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Koon AD, Marten R. Framing health taxes: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012055. [PMID: 37813439 PMCID: PMC10565303 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Health taxes are increasingly positioned as effective policy instruments for curbing non-communicable disease, improving health and raising government revenues. Their allure has caused many health advocates to look beyond tobacco and alcohol to other harmful products such as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), salty foods, fatty foods and fossil fuels. These efforts, however, directly conflict with commercial actors' interests. Both pro-tax health advocates and anti-tax industry representatives seek to frame health tax policy in favourable ways. Yet, little is known about which types of frames resonate in which settings, or how they deploy morals and values in their attempts to persuade. To fill this gap, we conducted a scoping review on framing health taxes using six databases in 2022. A total of 40 peer-reviewed empirical research articles, from 2006 to 2022, were identified from 20 different countries. Most research was conducted in high-income countries, published in the last 4 years and increasingly focused on excise taxes for SSBs. Studies captured multiple actors constructing context-specific frames, often tied to broader economic, health and administrative considerations. Actors also engaged in a range of political activities in addition to framing. We found some evidence that anti-tax framing strategies potentially incorporated a broader array of morals and social values. More in-country comparative research, particularly from low/middle-income countries, is needed to understand the politics of framing health taxes. We argue that these insights can improve efforts to advance health taxes by constraining corporate power, improving population level health and promoting greater social harmony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Koon
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Marten
- Secretariat, WHO Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, Geneva, Switzerland
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Marshman B, Wolf K, McCausland K, Daube M, Jancey J. Tobacco companies, corporate social responsibility and the use of third-party awards: a framing analysis. Tob Control 2023:tc-2022-057854. [PMID: 37369562 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Corporate social responsibility activities, such as third-party awards, provide an opportunity for tobacco companies (TCs) to promote themselves as socially, economically and environmentally responsible organisations. This study aimed to determine how TCs are using third-party awards to frame themselves and their core activities via company-controlled communication channels. METHODS TC-owned media coverage promoting third-party awards was identified from company-owned media channels, including websites, reports, press releases and Twitter. Using framing theory and thematic analysis, frames and broader themes were identified using a process of inductive coding. RESULTS TC-produced media content promoting third-party awards framed the companies as socially and environmentally responsible organisations, which excel at business and are innovative and transformative. Dominant frames identified included excellent workplace culture, championing diversity and inclusion and action on the environment. CONCLUSION TCs are capitalising on the perceived credibility and objectivity of third-party awards using these 'honours' as a promotional strategy to justify their continuing role in society and enhance their perceived legitimacy in relation to claims of ethical and responsible behaviour. The results of this study have implications for tobacco control advocacy, as continuing to allow the promotion of these awards appears to contravene or conflict with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Marshman
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katharina Wolf
- School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kahlia McCausland
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jonine Jancey
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Afshari M, Teymourlouy AA, Maleki M, Asadi-Lari M. Enhancing global health diplomacy for non-communicable diseases: application of the global health network framework. Global Health 2023; 19:41. [PMID: 37344896 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00944-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Understanding the characteristics of global policy actors and the political context in which they address diplomatic issues in the field of NCDs can play an important role in advancing NCD-related goals. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the network of global health actors in the field of NCDs in Iran. METHODS This study was conducted in 2020 using a qualitative methodology and framework analysis. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with subject-matter experts from all levels of diplomacy, including global, regional, and national, who had managerial, administrative, and academic experience. FINDINGS A total of 21 interviews were conducted with individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Following the framework of the World Health Network, the findings were divided into three general areas: the features of the network and the actors; the policy environment; and the characteristics of the issue. CONCLUSION A successful and sustainable program to combat NCDs requires the participation of multiple actors from governments, the private sector, and civil society at international, national, and local levels. The Global Network for Prevention and Control of NCDs should enhance the effectiveness of NCDs policies by highlighting the need to simultaneously improve the internal factors of the network, including relationships among the actors; external factors, including the policy environment; and the complex nature of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Afshari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ahmadi Teymourlouy
- Department of Health Service Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Maleki
- Department of Health Service Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asadi-Lari
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dsouza V, Kembhavi PM, Rao S P, P K, Hebbar PB. How does Indian news media report smokeless tobacco control? A content analysis of the gutka ban enforcement. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001724. [PMID: 36972290 PMCID: PMC10042338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Smokeless tobacco (SLT) products like gutka and paan masala are a growing public health crisis in India. Despite enacting a ban-the highest form of regulation-little is known about implementation progress. The purpose of this study was to look at how enforcement of gutka ban is covered in Indian news media and if media is a reliable source of data. We conducted a content analysis of online news reports (n = 192) from 2011 to 2019. News characteristics such as name and type of publication, language, location, slant and beat coverage, visuals, and administrative focus were quantified. Similarly, news contents were inductively coded to examine dominant themes and the implementation landscape. We found that coverage was initially low but increased after 2016. Overall, news reports were in favor of the ban. Five leading English newspapers covered the majority of the ban enforcement reports. Prominent themes like consumption, health hazards, tobacco control responses, impact on livelihoods, and illicit trade were drawn from the textual analysis as the main arguments in relation to the ban. Gutka is largely seen as an issue of crime reflected by the contents, sources, and frequent use of pictures depicting law enforcement. The interconnected distribution channels of the gutka industry hindered enforcement, highlighting the need to study the complexities of regional and local SLT supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Dsouza
- Chronic Conditions and Public Policies cluster, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru (IPH), Karnataka, India
| | - Pratiksha Mohan Kembhavi
- Chronic Conditions and Public Policies cluster, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru (IPH), Karnataka, India
| | - Praveen Rao S
- Chronic Conditions and Public Policies cluster, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru (IPH), Karnataka, India
| | - Kumaran P
- Chronic Conditions and Public Policies cluster, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru (IPH), Karnataka, India
| | - Pragati B Hebbar
- Chronic Conditions and Public Policies cluster, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru (IPH), Karnataka, India
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Suzuki M, Webb D, Small R. Competing Frames in Global Health Governance: An Analysis of Stakeholder Influence on the Political Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:1078-1089. [PMID: 33619925 PMCID: PMC9808183 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2020.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly recognized as a significant threat to health and development globally, and United Nations (UN) Member States adopted the Political Declaration of the Third High-level Meeting (HLM) on the prevention and control of NCDs in 2018. The negotiation process for the Declaration included consultations with Member States, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and non-state actors such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector. With NCD responses facing charges of inadequacy, it is important to scrutinize the governance process behind relevant high-level global decisions and commitments. METHODS Through a review of 159 documents submitted by stakeholders during the negotiation process, we outline a typology of policy positions advocated by various stakeholders in the development of the Declaration. We document changes in text from the draft to the final version of the Declaration to analyse the extent to which various positions and their proponents were influential. RESULTS NGOs and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) generally pursued 'stricter' governance of NCD risk factors including stronger regulation of unhealthy products and improved management of conflicts of interest that arise when health-harming industries are involved in health policy-making. The private sector and high-income countries generally opposed greater restrictions on commercial factors. The pattern of changes between the draft and final Declaration indicate that advocated positions tended to be included in the Declaration if there was no clear opponent, whereas opposed positions were either not included or included with ambiguous language. CONCLUSION Many cost-effective policy options to address NCDs, such as taxation of health-harming products, were opposed by high-income countries and the private sector and not well-represented in the Declaration. To ensure robust political commitments and action on NCDs, multi-stakeholder governance for NCDs must consider imbalances in power and influence amongst constituents as well as biases and conflicts in positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Suzuki
- Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- HIV, Health and Development Group, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, United Nations Development Programme, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Douglas Webb
- HIV, Health and Development Group, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, United Nations Development Programme, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Roy Small
- HIV, Health and Development Group, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, United Nations Development Programme, New York City, NY, USA
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Ramírez AS, Garibay KK, Payán DD, Campos Gática V, Merino Salmeron Y. News coverage of Mexico's front-of-package food label policy. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008803. [PMID: 35550339 PMCID: PMC9109016 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To examine news coverage of Mexico’s front-of-package food labelling policy. Methods We used Lexis Nexis to identify newspaper articles that mention the proposed law in four Mexican newspapers representing politically centre-left and centre-right perspectives. We coded for type and valence of arguments, sources and research evidence cited. Results We identified N=361 relevant articles. Coverage of the front-of-package food label policy was primarily news (vs editorial/opinion). While most were neutral in tone, left-leaning newspapers had slightly more positive overall coverage compared with right-leaning newspapers, indicated by publishing more stories in favour of the policy, fewer in opposition, more propolicy arguments and more frequent inclusion of perspectives by government officials and public health advocates. Despite some evidence of bias, there was a general lack of credible opposition to the policy and mention of opponents across newspapers. Conclusions and policy implications The relative absence of food and beverage industry stakeholders in news coverage of the food label policy is unexpected given their documented involvement in prior food policy debates. We discuss possible reasons for their conspicuous absence and lessons for public health advocates around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Susana Ramírez
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Kesia K Garibay
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Denise Diaz Payán
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Who has a beef with reducing red and processed meat consumption? A media framing analysis. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:578-590. [PMID: 34588091 PMCID: PMC9991568 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021004092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diets high in red and processed meat (RPM) contribute substantially to environmental degradation, greenhouse gas emissions and the global burden of chronic disease. High-profile reports have called for significant global RPM reduction, especially in high-income settings. Despite this, policy attention and political priority for the issue are low. DESIGN The study used a theoretically guided framing analysis to identify frames used by various interest groups in relation to reducing RPM in online news media articles published in the months around the release of four high-profile reports by authoritative organisations that included a focus on the impacts of high RPM production and/or consumption. SETTING Four major RPM producing and consuming countries - USA, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS None. RESULTS Hundred and fifty news media articles were included. Articles reported the views of academics, policymakers, industry representatives and the article authors themselves. RPM reduction was remarkably polarising. Industry frequently framed RPM reduction as part of a 'Vegan Agenda' or as advocated by an elite minority. Reducing RPM was also depicted as an infringement on personal choice and traditional values. Many interest groups attempted to discredit the reports by citing a lack of consensus on the evidence, or that only certain forms of farming and processing were harmful. Academics and nutrition experts were more likely to be cited in articles that were aligned with the findings of the reports. CONCLUSIONS The polarisation of RPM reduction has led to a binary conflict between pro- and anti-meat reduction actors. This division may diminish the extent to which political leaders will prioritise this in policy agendas. Using nuanced and context-dependent messaging could ensure the narratives around meat are less conflicting and more effective in addressing health and environmental harms associated with RPM.
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Hoe C, Weiger C, Minosa MKR, Alonso F, Koon AD, Cohen JE. Strategies to expand corporate autonomy by the tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage industry: a scoping review of reviews. Global Health 2022; 18:17. [PMID: 35164801 PMCID: PMC8845406 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noncommunicable diseases contribute to over 70% of global deaths each year. Efforts to address this epidemic are complicated by the presence of powerful corporate actors. Despite this, few attempts have been made to synthesize existing evidence of the strategies used to advance corporate interests across industries. Given this, our study seeks to answer the questions: 1) Is there an emergent taxonomy of strategies used by the tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) industries to expand corporate autonomy? 2) How are these strategies similar and how are they different? METHODS Under the guidance of a framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, a scoping review was carried out whereby six databases were searched in June 2021 to identify relevant peer-reviewed literature. To be included in this review, studies had to explicitly discuss the strategies used by the tobacco, alcohol, and/or sugar-sweetened beverage multinational corporations and be considered review articles aimed to synthesize existing evidence from at least one of the three industries. Eight hundred and fifty-eight articles were selected for full review and 59 articles were retained for extraction, analysis, and categorization. RESULTS Results identified six key strategies the industries used: 1) influencing government policy making and implementation, 2) challenging unfavorable science, 3) creating a positive image, 4) manipulating markets, 5) mounting legal challenges, and 6) anticipating future scenarios. Despite these similarities, there are few but important differences. Under the strategy of influencing government policy making and implementation, for example, literature showed that the alcohol and SSB industries have been "privileged with high levels of participation" within international public health organizations. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how industries resist efforts to control them is important for public health advocates working to reduce consumption of and death and diseases resulting from harmful commodities. Moreover, there is a greater need for the public health community to generate consensus about how to ethically engage or not engage with industries that produce unhealthy commodities. More studies are also needed to build the evidence base of industry tactics to resist regulation, particularly in the case of SSB, and in low-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Hoe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Caitlin Weiger
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marela Kay R Minosa
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Fernanda Alonso
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Adam D Koon
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joanna E Cohen
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Moerschel KS, von Philipsborn P, Hawkins B, McGill E. Concepts of responsibility in the German media debate on sugar taxation: a qualitative framing analysis. Eur J Public Health 2021; 32:267-272. [PMID: 34941999 PMCID: PMC9090278 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Framing plays an important role in health-policy processes. Responsibility for health is a salient and contested concept in the framing around food policies, such as sugar taxes. To deepen the understanding of the sugar tax process in Germany and contribute to a better understanding of how responsibility frames are used in debates on health policies, this study investigated responsibility concepts underlying the German media debate on sugar taxation. Methods We analyzed 114 national German newspaper articles, published between January 2018 and March 2019, following an inductive thematic analysis approach with an additional deductive focus on responsibility. We identified important contested concepts around sugar taxation, analyzed their combination into narrative frames, and scrutinized those narrative frames for underlying responsibility concepts. Results First, we identified important contested concepts regarding problems, actors and solutions (i.e. sugar tax and its potential alternatives). Those laid the basis for 13 narrative frames, of which the ‘unscrupulous industry’, ‘government failure’, ‘vulnerable youth’ and the ‘oversimplification’, ‘responsible industry’ and ‘nanny state’ frames were most salient. Within the narrative frames, we found a dominance of societal responsibility framing with a conflict between binding, legislative measures and voluntary solutions in cooperation with the food and beverages industry. Conclusions Questions around societal responsibility for health and corporate social responsibility framing become more salient in sugar tax debates. Future research should, therefore, investigate how public health advocates can successfully engage with corporate social responsibility narratives, and how legislative measures can be framed in ways that engender trust in governmental actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina S Moerschel
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter von Philipsborn
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, LMU Munich, and Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Elizabeth McGill
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Borraccino A, Lemma P. The Time has Come: Building an Effective Preventive Alliance Beyond Community Health Crisis. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:637821. [PMID: 34744590 PMCID: PMC8565285 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.637821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Borraccino
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Patrizia Lemma
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Thompson C, Clary C, Er V, Adams J, Boyland E, Burgoine T, Cornelsen L, de Vocht F, Egan M, Lake AA, Lock K, Mytton O, Petticrew M, White M, Yau A, Cummins S. Media representations of opposition to the 'junk food advertising ban' on the Transport for London (TfL) network: A thematic content analysis of UK news and trade press. SSM Popul Health 2021; 15:100828. [PMID: 34141852 PMCID: PMC8184652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advertising of less healthy foods and drinks is hypothesised to be associated with obesity in adults and children. In February 2019, Transport for London implemented restrictions on advertisements for foods and beverages high in fat, salt or sugar across its network as part of a city-wide strategy to tackle childhood obesity. The policy was extensively debated in the press. This paper identifies arguments for and against the restrictions. Focusing on arguments against the restrictions, it then goes on to deconstruct the discursive strategies underpinning them. METHODS A qualitative thematic content analysis of media coverage of the restrictions (the 'ban') in UK newspapers and trade press was followed by a document analysis of arguments against the ban. A search period of March 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019 covered: (i) the launch of the public consultation on the ban in May 2018; (ii) the announcement of the ban in November 2018; and (iii) its implementation in February 2019. A systematic search of printed and online publications in English distributed in the UK or published on UK-specific websites identified 152 articles. RESULTS Arguments in favour of the ban focused on inequalities and childhood obesity. Arguments against the ban centred on two claims: that childhood obesity was not the 'right' priority; and that an advertising ban was not an effective way to address childhood obesity. These claims were justified via three discursive approaches: (i) claiming more 'important' priorities for action; (ii) disputing the science behind the ban; (iii) emphasising potential financial costs of the ban. CONCLUSION The discursive tactics used in media sources to argue against the ban draw on frames widely used by unhealthy commodities industries in response to structural public health interventions. Our analyses highlight the need for interventions to be framed in ways that can pre-emptively counter common criticisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Thompson
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Christelle Clary
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Er
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Adams
- Centre for Diet & Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Burgoine
- Centre for Diet & Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Cornelsen
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frank de Vocht
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Egan
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia A Lake
- Centre for Public Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.,Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Lock
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Mytton
- Centre for Diet & Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin White
- Centre for Diet & Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Yau
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Cummins
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Wise K, Cullerton K. Framing of nutrition policy issues in the Australian news media, 2008-2018. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 45:491-496. [PMID: 34411381 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Media framing of nutrition policy issues has been said to play a critical role in influencing public and political support for these issues. We examined the coverage of nutrition policy issues in the Australian news media to determine the key frames and expert sources used by the media. METHODS News articles published in Australia between 2008 and 2018 were retrieved from key media databases. Content analysis was used to identify nutrition policy issues reported and expert sources used. Frames were identified using a theoretical framework. RESULTS Seven nutrition policy categories were identified. Expert sources included representatives from public health, food industry and politicians. Six dominant frames were identified: government responsibility, industry responsibility, societal frame, individual responsibility, parental responsibility and nanny state frame. Nutrition experts tended to use thematic frames while government and food industry sources used episodic frames to deflect responsibility onto individuals. CONCLUSIONS Despite high media representation of thematic frames and government responsibility in addressing nutrition policy issues, limited regulatory policy action has occurred in Australia. Implications for public health: Further research is needed to better understand different frames and their effectiveness in influencing public and political opinion. Greater coherence amongst health advocates would be beneficial to ensure a collective, recognised voice on issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Wise
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland
| | - Katherine Cullerton
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland
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15
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Chavez‐Ugalde Y, Jago R, Toumpakari Z, Egan M, Cummins S, White M, Hulls P, De Vocht F. Conceptualizing the commercial determinants of dietary behaviors associated with obesity: A systematic review using principles from critical interpretative synthesis. Obes Sci Pract 2021; 7:473-486. [PMID: 34401205 PMCID: PMC8346378 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unhealthy diet is an important preventable risk factor for overweight and obesity. Identifying the key drivers of an unhealthy diet is an important public health aim. "Big Food" has been identified as an influential factor shaping dietary behavior and obesity, and their practices have broadly been labeled as the "commercial determinants of obesity," but there is a lack of definitions and conceptualizations for these terms. This review aimed to synthesize literature on the commercial determinants of dietary behavior associated with obesity. It presents the development of an integrative definition and a conceptual framework involving potential influences on dietary behavior, and it examines the prevalence of certain narratives within papers that focus on children and adolescents. METHODS Four electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched up to December 2020. Eighty-one articles met the inclusion criteria: they were published in a peer-reviewed academic journal, described a practice from the food/beverage industry in relation to dietary behavior or obesity. Data were integrated using critical interpretative synthesis. RESULTS The commercial determinants of dietary behavior are conceptualized in terms of three corporate spheres of action-political and legal; production, processing and design; and marketing and preference shaping-which enable powerful food industry to successfully pursue their business, market, and political objectives. The most frequently reported sphere of action targeting children and adolescents was marketing and preference shaping. CONCLUSIONS In the included literature, the commercial determinants of dietary behavior associated with obesity have been conceptualized as being part of a complex system where corporate practices are enabled by power structures. The proposed framework can facilitate a structured identification and systematic study of the impact of specific aspects of food industry's strategies and increase opportunities for primary prevention by anticipating industry responses and by discouraging corporate practices that harm health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanaina Chavez‐Ugalde
- National Institute for Health ResearchSchool for Public Health ResearchNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Russell Jago
- National Institute for Health ResearchSchool for Public Health ResearchNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy StudiesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership, Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West)BristolUK
| | - Zoi Toumpakari
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy StudiesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Matt Egan
- National Institute for Health ResearchSchool for Public Health ResearchNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Department of Public Health, Environments and SocietyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Steven Cummins
- National Institute for Health ResearchSchool for Public Health ResearchNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Department of Public Health, Environments and SocietyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Martin White
- National Institute for Health ResearchSchool for Public Health ResearchNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) MRC Epidemiology UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Paige Hulls
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Frank De Vocht
- National Institute for Health ResearchSchool for Public Health ResearchNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership, Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West)BristolUK
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16
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Fraser-Celin VL, Rock MJ. One Health and reconciliation: media portrayals of dogs and Indigenous communities in Canada. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6321599. [PMID: 34263298 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This qualitative media analysis explores how the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) portrayed 'dog problems' and their solutions in Indigenous communities in Canada from 2008 through 2018. We apply a One Health framework to demonstrate how human, animal, and the socio-environmental health are interconnected, which aligns more explicitly with Indigenous worldviews. Through this analysis, we respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada's Calls to Action, specifically Action 19 (health inequity) and Action 84 (media). We found that the CBC portrayed dogs as "strays" and focused mainly on the removal of dogs, whether rehoming by animal rescue groups or through culling, and that rescue groups were portrayed as 'animal lovers'. Meanwhile, journalists sometimes mentioned the lack of policies to support community-driven dog population control and veterinary services, but these policy deficits did not receive emphasis. The CBC coverage did not highlight systemic injustices that can impact dog health and welfare in Indigenous communities. This media analysis outlines ways forward for reconciliation with Indigenous communities when the media reports on dogs; we recommend journalists (i) focus on lack of veterinary services in communities and the impacts rather than the removal of dogs, (ii) discuss broader systemic structures and policies that limit access to veterinary services in Indigenous communities and (iii) how such resource constraints impact human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N4Z6, Canada
| | - Melanie J Rock
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N4Z6, Canada
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17
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How food companies use social media to influence policy debates: a framework of Australian ultra-processed food industry Twitter data. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:3124-3135. [PMID: 33222709 PMCID: PMC9884788 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020003353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand if, and how, Australian ultra-processed food industry actors use Twitter to influence food and health policy debates and produce a conceptual framework to describe such influence. DESIGN Twitter data of prominent industry actors were defined through purposive sampling and inductively coded to investigate possible influence on food and health policy debates. These are described using descriptive statistics and coded extracts. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Twitter accounts of nine prominent ultra-processed food industry actors, including major trade associations. RESULTS Ultra-processed food industry actors actively used Twitter to influence food and health policy debates. Seven overarching strategies were identified: co-opting public health narratives; opposing regulation; supporting voluntary, co- or self-regulation; engaging policy processes and decision-makers; linking regulatory environments to the need for ongoing profitability; affecting public perceptions and value judgements; and using ignorance claims to distort policy narratives. Each lobbying strategy is underpinned with tactics described throughout and captured in a framework. CONCLUSIONS The current study creates a framework to monitor how food industry actors can use social media to influence food and health policy debates. As such, social media appears to be not only an important commercial determinant of health for brand marketing, but also an extension of lobbying practices to reshape public perceptions of corporate conduct and policy-making.
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18
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Jensen ML, Carpentier FD, Adair L, Corvalán C, Popkin BM, Taillie LS. Examining Chile's unique food marketing policy: TV advertising and dietary intake in preschool children, a pre- and post- policy study. Pediatr Obes 2021; 16:e12735. [PMID: 33105522 PMCID: PMC8073213 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Chilean government implemented the first phase of a comprehensive marketing policy in 2016, restricting child-directed marketing of products high in energy, total sugars, sodium or saturated fat (hereafter "high-in"). OBJECTIVES To examine the role that high-in TV food advertising had in the effect of the policy on consumption of high-in products between 2016 and 2017. METHODS Dietary data were obtained from 24-hour diet recall measured in 2016 (n = 940) and 2017 (n = 853), pre- and post-policy, from a cohort of 4 to 6 years children. Television use was linked to analyses of food advertisements to derive individual-level estimates of exposure to advertising. A multilevel mediation analysis examined direct and indirect effects of the policy through advertising exposure. RESULTS Children's high-in food consumption and advertising exposure declined significantly from 2016 to 2017 (P < .01). Consumption changes were not significantly mediated by changes in advertising exposure, which might suggest other elements of the Chilean Law potentially driving decreases in consumption to a greater extent than TV ads. CONCLUSIONS Preschoolers' exposure to high-in advertising and consumption of high-in products decreased post-policy. Further research is needed to understand how marketing changes will relate to dietary changes after full implementation of the law and in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L. Jensen
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Global Food Research Program, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,School of Nutrition, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Linda Adair
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Macul, Chile
| | - Barry M. Popkin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Global Food Research Program, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Global Food Research Program, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Corresponding author: Lindsey Smith Taillie 123, W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, , Phone: (919) 962-6092, Fax: (919) 445-0740
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19
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Essman M, Stoltze FM, Carpentier FD, Swart EC, Taillie LS. Examining the news media reaction to a national sugary beverage tax in South Africa: a quantitative content analysis. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:454. [PMID: 33676468 PMCID: PMC7937301 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa was the first sub-Saharan African country to implement a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax called the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) in April 2018. Given news media can increase public awareness and sway opinions, this study analyzed how the media represented the HPL, including expressions of support or challenge, topics associated with the levy, and stakeholder views of the HPL. METHODS We performed a quantitative content analysis of online South African news articles related to the HPL published between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2019. We coded the presence or absence of mentions related to health and economic effects of the HPL and HPL support or opposition. Prevalence of these mentions, overall and by source (industry, government, academics, other), were analyzed with Pearson χ2 and post-hoc Fisher exact tests. RESULTS Across all articles, 81% mentioned health, and 65% mentioned economics topics. 54% of articles expressed support, 26% opposition, and 20% a balanced view of the HPL. All sources except industry expressed majority support for the HPL. Health reasons were the most common justifications for support, and economic harms were the most common justifications for opposition. Statements that sugar intake is not related to obesity, the HPL will not reduce SSB intake, and the HPL will cause industry or economic harm were all disproportionately high in industry sources (92, 80, and 81% vs 25% prevalence in total sample) (p < 0.001). Statements that sugar intake is related to obesity and non-communicable diseases were disproportionately high in both government (46 and 54% vs 31% prevalence in total sample) (p < 0.001) and academics (33 and 38% vs 25% prevalence in total sample) (p < 0.05). Statements that the HPL will improve health and the HPL will reduce health care costs were disproportionately high in government (47% vs 31% prevalence in total sample) (p < 0.001) and academics (44% vs 25% prevalence in total sample) (p < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Industry expressed no support for the HPL, whereas academics, government, and other sources mainly expressed support. Future studies would be improved by linking news media exposure to SSB intake data to better understand the effects news media may have on individual behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Essman
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Fernanda Mediano Stoltze
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth C Swart
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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20
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Howse E, Hankey C, Bauman A, Freeman B. Are young adults' discussions of public health nutrition policies associated with common food industry discourses? A qualitative pilot study. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 45:171-180. [PMID: 33617122 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unhealthy diets are a key risk factor for chronic disease, with young adults (18-30 years old) in high-income countries like Australia and the UK particularly at risk. Improved public health nutrition policies can help address unhealthy diets in the population, but many of the more regulatory policies are opposed by food industry groups. This research explores how young adults in Australia and the UK discuss a range of topical public health nutrition policies and analyses whether and how their views may be associated with food industry discourses. METHODS Eight focus groups were held in Sydney, Australia, and Glasgow, UK, with a total of thirty young adults participating. A deliberative-style method was used in the focus groups to generate discussion about six public health nutrition policies, such as taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages and restrictions on advertising of less-healthy foods. Discourse analysis was used to examine participants' discussions. RESULTS Twenty discourse codes were developed iteratively from the focus group data. These were thematically linked with nine food industry discourses found in the peer-reviewed literature, including industry self-regulation, personal responsibility, corporate social responsibility and challenging nutrition science. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate there is an association between common food industry discourses and some young adults' views about public health nutrition policies. Implications for public health: Identifying, engaging with and responding to common industry discourses is a priority in order to build greater public support and acceptability of policies that will improve diet and prevent chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Howse
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, New South Wales.,The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, New South Wales
| | - Catherine Hankey
- University of Glasgow, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Bauman
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, New South Wales.,The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, New South Wales
| | - Becky Freeman
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, New South Wales
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21
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Kraak VI, Consavage Stanley K. A Systematic Scoping Review of Media Campaigns to Develop a Typology to Evaluate Their Collective Impact on Promoting Healthy Hydration Behaviors and Reducing Sugary Beverage Health Risks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031040. [PMID: 33503920 PMCID: PMC7908303 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Interventions to discourage sugary beverages and encourage water consumption have produced modest and unsustainable behavioral changes to reduce obesity and noncommunicable disease risks. This systematic scoping review examined media campaigns to develop a typology to support healthy hydration nonalcoholic beverage behaviors. Our three-step methodology included the following: (1) review and summarize expert-recommended healthy beverage guidelines; (2) review six English-language electronic databases guided by PRISMA to describe existing campaign types by issue, goal and underlying theory; and (3) develop a media campaign typology to support policies, systems and environments to encourage healthy hydration behaviors. Results showed no international consensus for healthy beverage guidelines, though we describe expert-recommended healthy beverage guidelines for the United States. Of 909 records identified, we included 24 articles describing distinct media campaigns and nine sources that defined models, schemes or taxonomies. The final media campaign typology included: (1) corporate advertising, marketing or entertainment; (2) corporate social responsibility, public relations/cause marketing; (3) social marketing; (4) public information, awareness, education/ health promotion; (5) media advocacy/countermarketing; and (6) political or public policy. This proof-of-concept media campaign typology can be used to evaluate their collective impact and support for a social change movement to reduce sugary beverage health risks and to encourage healthy hydration behaviors.
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22
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Lee JGL, Cristello JV, Buckton CH, Carey RN, Trucco EM, Schenk PM, Ikegwuonu T, Hilton S, Golden SD, Conway DI. Message framing to inform cancer prevention pricing interventions in the UK and USA: a factorial experiment, 2019. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041324. [PMID: 33495253 PMCID: PMC7839858 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To advance understanding of how message framing can be used to maximise public support across different pricing policies for alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks/foods that prevent consumption of cancer-causing products. DESIGN We designed a 3×4×3 randomised factorial experiment to test responses to messages with three pricing policies, four message frames and three products. SETTING Online survey panel (Qualtrics) in 2019. PARTICIPANTS Adults (N=1850) from the UK and USA. INTERVENTIONS Participants randomly viewed one of 36 separate messages that varied by pricing policy (increasing taxes, getting rid of price discounts, getting rid of low-cost products), four frames and product (alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks/foods). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES We assessed the relationship between the message characteristics and four dependent variables. Three were related to policy support: (1) increasing taxes on the product mentioned in the message, (2) getting rid of price discounts and special offers on the product mentioned in the message and (3) getting rid of low-cost versions of the product mentioned in the message. One was related to reactance, a psychological response to having one's freedom limited. RESULTS We found no effect for pricing policy in the message. Frames regarding children and reducing cancer risk moderated some outcomes, showing promise for real-world use. We found differences in support by product and reactance with greatest support and least reactance for tobacco policies, less support and more reactance for alcohol policies, and the least support and most reactance for sugary drinks/foods policies. CONCLUSIONS Cancer prevention efforts using policy interventions can be informed by the message framing literature. Our results offer insights for cancer prevention advocacy efforts across the UK and USA and highlight that tax versus non-tax approaches to increasing the cost of cancer-causing products result in similar responses from consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G L Lee
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julie V Cristello
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Christina H Buckton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rachel N Carey
- Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elisa M Trucco
- Department of Psychology and Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Paulina M Schenk
- Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Theresa Ikegwuonu
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shona Hilton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shelley D Golden
- Cancer Prevention and Control, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David I Conway
- School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Hilton S, Buckton CH, Henrichsen T, Fergie G, Leifeld P. Policy congruence and advocacy strategies in the discourse networks of minimum unit pricing for alcohol and the soft drinks industry levy. Addiction 2020; 115:2303-2314. [PMID: 32219917 PMCID: PMC7611988 DOI: 10.1111/add.15068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Public health policy development is subject to a range of stakeholders presenting their arguments to influence opinion on the best options for policy action. This paper compares stakeholders' positions in the discourse networks of two pricing policy debates in the United Kingdom: minimum unit pricing for alcohol (MUP) and the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL). DESIGN Discourse analysis was combined with network visualization to create representations of stakeholders' positions across the two policy debates as they were represented in 11 national UK newspapers. SETTING United Kingdom. OBSERVATIONS For the MUP debate 1924 statements by 152 people from 87 organizations were coded from 348 articles. For the SDIL debate 3883 statements by 214 people from 175 organizations were coded from 511 articles. MEASUREMENTS Network analysis techniques were used to identify robust argumentative similarities and maximize the identification of network structures. Network measures of size, connectedness and cohesion were used to compare discourse networks. FINDINGS The networks for both pricing debates involve a similar range of stakeholder types and form clusters representing policy discourse coalitions. The SDIL network is larger than the MUP network, particularly the proponents' cluster, with more than three times as many stakeholders. Both networks have tight clusters of manufacturers, think-tanks and commercial analysts in the opponents' coalition. Public health stakeholders appear in both networks, but no health charity or advocacy group is common to both. CONCLUSION A comparison of the discourse in the UK press during the policy development processes for minimum unit pricing for alcohol and the soft drinks industry levy suggests greater cross-sector collaboration among policy opponents than proponents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Hilton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christina H. Buckton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tim Henrichsen
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Law, Politics and Development, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gillian Fergie
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Philip Leifeld
- Department of Government, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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24
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Lauber K, Ralston R, Mialon M, Carriedo A, Gilmore AB. Non-communicable disease governance in the era of the sustainable development goals: a qualitative analysis of food industry framing in WHO consultations. Global Health 2020; 16:76. [PMID: 32847604 PMCID: PMC7448499 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UN system's shift towards multistakeholder governance, now embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), invites a broad range of actors, including the private sector, to the policymaking table. Although the tobacco industry is formally excluded from engagement, this approach provides opportunities for other unhealthy commodity industries to influence the World Health Organization's (WHO's) non-communicable disease (NCD) agenda. Focusing on the food industry, this research maps which actors engaged with WHO consultations, and critically examines actors' policy and governance preferences as well as the framing they employ to promote these preferences in the global context. METHODS All written responses from food industry actors to publicly available NCD-relevant WHO consultations held between September 2015 and September 2018 were identified, totalling forty-five responses across five consultations. A qualitative frame analysis was conducted to identify policy positions expressed by respondents, as well as arguments and frames used to do so. RESULTS Though no individual companies responded to the consultations, the majority of participating business associations had some of the largest multinational food corporations as members. Respondents overarchingly promoted non-statutory approaches and opposed statutory regulation and conflict of interest safeguards. To this purpose, they framed the food industry as a legitimate and necessary partner in policymaking, differentiating themselves from the tobacco industry and referencing a history of successful collaboration, while also invoking multistakeholder norms and good governance principles to portray collaboration as required. Respondents contrasted this with the limits of WHO's mandate, portraying it as out of step with the SDGs and framing NCD decision-making as a matter of national sovereignty. CONCLUSION We observed that the UN's call for partnerships to support the SDGs is invoked to defend corporate access to NCD policy. This highlights the need for more cautious approaches which are mindful of the commercial determinants of health. Systematic opposition to regulation and to governance approaches which may compromise commercial actors' insider role in global health by food industry actors shown here, and the strategic use of the Sustainable Development agenda to this purpose, raises questions about the value of collaboration from the perspective of international health agencies such as WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Lauber
- Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
- SPECTRUM Consortium, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Rob Ralston
- Global Health Policy Unit, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mélissa Mialon
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Anna B Gilmore
- Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- SPECTRUM Consortium, Edinburgh, UK
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Schoemaker CG, van Loon J, Achterberg PW, den Hertog FRJ, Hilderink H, Melse J, Vonk RAA, van Oers H. Four normative perspectives on public health policy-making and their preferences for bodies of evidence. Health Res Policy Syst 2020; 18:94. [PMID: 32831080 PMCID: PMC7446163 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-00614-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Calls for evidence-informed public health policy-making often ignore that there are multiple, and often competing, bodies of potentially relevant evidence to which policy-makers have recourse in identifying policy priorities and taking decisions. In this paper, we illustrate how policy frames may favour the use of specific bodies of evidence. For the sixth Dutch Public Health Status and Foresight report (2014), possible future trends in population health and healthcare expenditure were used as a starting point for a deliberative dialogue with stakeholders to identify and formulate the most important societal challenges for the Dutch health system. Working with these stakeholders, we expanded these societal challenges into four normative perspectives on public health. These perspectives can be regarded as policy frames. In each of the perspectives, a specific body of evidence is favoured and other types of evidence are neglected. Crucial outcomes in one body may be regarded as irrelevant from other perspectives. Consequently, the results of research from a single body of evidence may not be helpful in the policy-making processes because policy-makers need to account for trade-offs between all competing interests and values. To support these policy processes, researchers need to combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address different outcomes from the start of their studies. We feel it is time for the research community to re-politicise the idea of evidence use and for policy-makers to demand research that helps them to account for all health-related policy goals. This is a prerequisite for real evidence-informed policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper G Schoemaker
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Jeanne van Loon
- Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Rijnstraat 50, 2515 XP, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Peter W Achterberg
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frank R J den Hertog
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Hilderink
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Melse
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A A Vonk
- The Council for Health and Society, Parnassusplein 5, 2511 VX, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van Oers
- Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Parnassusplein 5, 2511 VX, Den Haag, The Netherlands
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Halas G, Schultz ASH, Rothney J, Wener P, Holmqvist M, Cohen B, Kosowan L, Enns JE, Katz A. A Scoping Review of Foci, Trends, and Gaps in Reviews of Tobacco Control Research. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:599-612. [PMID: 30715468 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nty269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of disease associated with tobacco use has prompted a substantial increase in tobacco-related research, but the breadth of this literature has not been comprehensively examined. This review examines the nature of the research addressing the action areas in World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the populations targeted and how equity-related concepts are integrated. METHOD A scoping review of published reviews addressing tobacco control within the primary prevention domain. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Educational Resources Information Centre, and PsycInfo from 2004 to 2018. RESULTS The scoping review of reviews offered a "birds-eye-view" of the tobacco control literature. Within the 681 reviews meeting inclusion criteria, there was a strong focus on smoking cessation targeting individuals; less attention has been given to product regulation, packaging, and labeling or sales to minors. Equity-related concepts were addressed in 167/681 (24.5%); few were focused on addressing inequity through structural and systemic root causes. CONCLUSION This analysis of foci, trends, and gaps in the research pursuant to the FCTC illustrated the particular action areas and populations most frequently addressed in tobacco control research. Further research is needed to address: (1) underlying social influences, (2) particular action areas and with specific populations, and (3) sustained tobacco use through the influence of novel marketing and product innovations by tobacco industry. IMPLICATIONS This scoping review of the breadth of tobacco control research reviews enables a better understanding of which action areas and target populations have been addressed in the research. Our findings alongside recommendations from other reviews suggest prioritizing further research to support policymaking and considering the role of the tobacco industry in circumventing tobacco control efforts. The large amount of research targeting individual cessation would suggest there is a need to move beyond a focus on individual choice and decontextualized behaviors. Also, given the majority of reviews that simply recognize or describe disparity, further research that integrates equity and targets various forms of social exclusion and discrimination is needed and may benefit from working in collaboration with communities where programs can be tailored to need and context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Halas
- Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Annette S H Schultz
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Janet Rothney
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Pamela Wener
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Maxine Holmqvist
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Benita Cohen
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Leanne Kosowan
- Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jennifer E Enns
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Alan Katz
- Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Chiang J, Arons A, Pomeranz JL, Siddiqi A, Hamad R. Geographic and Longitudinal Trends in Media Framing of Obesity in the United States. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2020; 28:1351-1357. [PMID: 32475076 PMCID: PMC7311269 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The media's framing of public health issues is closely linked to public opinion on these issues and support for interventions to address them. This study characterized geographic and temporal variation in the US media's framing of obesity across states from 2006 to 2015. METHODS Newspaper articles that mentioned the term obesity were drawn from Access World News (NewsBank, Inc., Naples, Florida), a comprehensive online database (N = 364,288). This study employed automated content analysis, a machine learning technique, to categorize articles as (1) attributing obesity to individual-level causes (e.g., lifestyle behaviors), (2) attributing obesity to environmental/systemic causes (e.g., neighborhood walkability), (3) attributing obesity to both individual-level causes and environmental/systemic causes, or (4) articles without any such attribution framework. RESULTS Nationwide across all years, a higher proportion of articles focused on individual-level attribution of obesity than environmental-level attribution or both. Missouri and Idaho had the highest proportions of articles with an individual framework, and Nevada, Arkansas, and Wisconsin had the highest proportions of articles with an environmental framework. CONCLUSIONS This analysis demonstrates that US media sources heavily focus on an individual framing of obesity, which may be informing public perceptions of obesity. By highlighting differences in obesity media portrayal, this study could inform research to understand why particular states represent outliers and how this may affect obesity policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Chiang
- Stanford University, Department of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Abigail Arons
- University of California Los Angeles, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer L. Pomeranz
- New York University College of Global Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy and Management, New York, NY
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Behavior, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Rita Hamad
- University of California San Francisco, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, Department of Family & Community Medicine, San Francisco, California
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Miralles M, Chilet-Rosell E, Hernández-Aguado I. [Framing of childhood obesity in Spanish lay press]. GACETA SANITARIA 2019; 35:256-259. [PMID: 31879055 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the frame, individual or collective, of childhood obesity in the main Spanish lay media. METHOD Analysis of a convenience sample of 132 publications regarding childhood obesity (August 2016-September 2018). Descriptive analysis about approach, measures and causes of obesity and food industry influence in the development of the publication. RESULTS 47% of the publications presented an individual approach. 54% included eating and physical activity as cause. 29% of the measures propose a healthy environment and 27% individual recommendations. Individual frame was present in 77% of the news influenced by the industry. CONCLUSION Publications on childhood obesity of the main Spanish lay press reveal a predominance of the individual approach to the problem. This majority perception may condition the development and implementation of public health policies or interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Miralles
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, (Alicante), España
| | - Elisa Chilet-Rosell
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, (Alicante), España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España.
| | - Ildefonso Hernández-Aguado
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, (Alicante), España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España
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Moghimi E, Wiktorowicz ME. Regulating the Fast-Food Landscape: Canadian News Media Representation of the Healthy Menu Choices Act. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4939. [PMID: 31817581 PMCID: PMC6950394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid rise of fast food consumption in Canada, Ontario was the first province to legislate menu labelling requirements via the enactment of the Healthy Menu Choice Act (HMCA). As the news media plays a significant role in policy debates and the agenda for policymakers and the public, the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to clarify the manner in which the news media portrayed the strengths and critiques of the Act, and its impact on members of the community, including consumers and stakeholders. Drawing on data from Canadian regional and national news outlets, the major findings highlight that, although the media reported that the HMCA was a positive step forward, this was tempered by critiques concerning the ineffectiveness of using caloric labelling as the sole measure of health, and its predicted low impact on changing consumption patterns on its own. Furthermore, the news media were found to focus accountability for healthier eating choices largely on the individual, with very little consideration of the role of the food industry or the social and structural determinants that affect food choice. A strong conflation of health, weight and calories was apparent, with little acknowledgement of the implications of menu choice for chronic illness. The analysis demonstrates that the complex factors associated with food choice were largely unrecognized by the media, including the limited extent to which social, cultural, political and corporate determinants of unhealthy choices were taken into account as the legislation was developed. Greater recognition of these factors by the media concerning the HMCA may evoke more meaningful and long-term change for health and food choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Moghimi
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON 223, Canada
| | - Mary E Wiktorowicz
- School of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON 4700, Canada;
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Zolnoori M, Huang M, Patten CA, Balls-Berry JE, Goudarzvand S, Brockman TA, Sagheb E, Yao L. Mining news media for understanding public health concerns. J Clin Transl Sci 2019; 5:e1. [PMID: 33948233 PMCID: PMC8057471 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2019.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION News media play an important role in raising public awareness, framing public opinions, affecting policy formulation, and acknowledgment of public health issues. Traditional qualitative content analysis for news sentiments and focuses are time-consuming and may not efficiently convey sentiments nor the focuses of news media. METHODS We used descriptive statistics and state-of-art text mining to conduct sentiment analysis and topic modeling, to efficiently analyze over 3 million Reuters news articles during 2007-2017 for identifying their coverage, sentiments, and focuses for public health issues. Based on the top keywords from public health scientific journals, we identified 10 major public health issues (i.e., "air pollution," "alcohol drinking," "asthma," "depression," "diet," "exercise," "obesity," "pregnancy," "sexual behavior," and "smoking"). RESULTS The news coverage for seven public health issues, "Smoking," "Exercise," "Alcohol drinking," "Diet," "Obesity," "Depression," and "Asthma" decreased over time. The news coverage for "Sexual behavior," "Pregnancy," and "Air pollution" fluctuated during 2007-2017. The sentiments of the news articles for three of the public health issues, "exercise," "alcohol drinking," and "diet" were predominately positive and associated such as "energy." Sentiments for the remaining seven public health issues were mainly negative, linked to negative terms, e.g., diseases. The results of topic modeling reflected the media's focus on public health issues. CONCLUSIONS Text mining methods may address the limitations of traditional qualitative approaches. Using big data to understand public health needs is a novel approach that could help clinical and translational science awards programs focus on community-engaged research efforts to address community priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zolnoori
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christi A. Patten
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Community Engagement Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joyce E. Balls-Berry
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Somaieh Goudarzvand
- School of Computing and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Tabetha A. Brockman
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Community Engagement Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elham Sagheb
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lixia Yao
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Zimmermann B, Elger B, Shaw D. Media Coverage of Ethical Issues in Predictive Genetic Testing: A Qualitative Analysis. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2019; 10:250-264. [PMID: 31596686 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2019.1670275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background: Predictive genetic testing (PGT) raises many ethical issues and is of increasing interest to the general population. Mass media, especially newspapers, are the public's main source of information on this topic. Methods: We conducted a content analysis of British newspaper reporting, assessing which ethical issues were mentioned. The analysis was qualitative with semi-quantitative aspects. All articles about PGT published in The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph from 2011 to 2016 were included. Results: Most ethical issues discussed in the scientific and ethical literature are implicitly or explicitly covered in newspapers, but there was no discussion of incidental findings and the possibility of false reassurance of a negative test result was mentioned only once. There are also important gaps regarding the multidimensional nature and complexity of many issues. The Guardian mentioned ethical issues more frequently than the Daily Telegraph. Most ethical issues were portrayed as first-person narratives. Conclusions: Ethical issues concern potential test users and society more than scientific background knowledge about such tests; therefore, more efforts should be taken to address these complex issues in a manner that is comprehensible for the lay public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Zimmermann
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Bernice Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - David Shaw
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University , Maastricht , the Netherlands
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Casswell S. Addressing NCDs: Penetration of the Producers of Hazardous Products into Global Health Environment Requires a Strong Response Comment on "Addressing NCDs: Challenges From Industry Market Promotion and Interferences". Int J Health Policy Manag 2019; 8:607-609. [PMID: 31657187 PMCID: PMC6819631 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2019.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Timely warnings and examples of industry interference in relation to tobacco, alcohol, food and breast milk substitutes are given in the editorial by Tangcharoensathien et al. Such interference is rife at national levels and also at the global level. In an era of ‘private public partnerships’ the alcohol and food industries have succeeded in insinuating themselves into the global health environment and their influence is seen in key recommendations regarding non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in United Nations (UN) reports. The absence of legally binding health treaties in these areas facilitates this industry engagement and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a valuable model to apply to control of other hazardous products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Casswell
- SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Rowbotham S, McKinnon M, Marks L, Hawe P. Research on media framing of public policies to prevent chronic disease: A narrative synthesis. Soc Sci Med 2019; 237:112428. [PMID: 31357110 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Media coverage plays a key role in shaping public and political attitudes towards policy interventions to improve health. We reviewed studies of news media to identify the arguments used to frame policies that address risk factors for chronic disease, and the impact of different arguments on attitudes to policy. Drawing on a previous scoping review, we identified a subsample of 49 studies of media framing of policies to address risk factors for lifestyle-related chronic disease for further analysis. We extracted and synthesised data to explore key themes. Of the limited research that has been undertaken, most studies have focused on tobacco policy, followed by alcohol, with a small number of studies of food and beverage policies. Studies have primarily used content analysis. Our synthesis demonstrated that advocates and opponents draw on five frames: health, social, economic, practical and ideological. Only a small number of studies have examined the impact of framing on public attitudes towards policy interventions, although such studies have tended to focus on the impact of how problems, rather than solutions (i.e. policies) are framed. Media research is crucial to understanding the complex ways in which attitudes towards policy interventions shape, and are shaped by, public discourses and can provide public health advocates with insights into strategies to successfully position policy arguments. This review highlights key insights and gaps in the hope that this will stimulate further research that will enhance public health advocates' abilities to promote effective public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Rowbotham
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Australia.
| | - Merryn McKinnon
- Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Leah Marks
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Australia.
| | - Penelope Hawe
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Australia.
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Stupplebeen DA. People who inject drugs and HIV crisis in Pence's Indiana: A media analysis using two policymaking theories. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 57:79-85. [PMID: 29705590 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015, Scott County, Indiana was the center of an HIV outbreak related to injection drug use. Critiques of the government response exist; however, none examine the response through policymaking theories. This paper examines policy changes affecting people who use drugs (PWID) in Indiana through two theories: the social construction of target populations and punctuated equilibrium. METHODS A media analysis was performed to examine the prevailing image of PWID in Indiana ten years prior to the outbreak and two years after the crisis emerged. Article tone was assessed to examine the social construction of PWID, and how this construction related to incremental, then punctuated policy making. RESULTS A total of 372 news articles were examined. Media tone towards PWID was significantly more negative in the 10 years before the outbreak. Most articles regarding PWID pre-outbreak were crime-related, while during crisis, articles types varied and reframed PWID. CONCLUSION News article tone changed significantly, allowing new approaches to health related to PWID to be considered. This paper demonstrates the utility of these policy frameworks and analysis of target populations through media depictions. Implications for public health practitioners are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Stupplebeen
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1960 East West Road, Biomed, D-210, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA.
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Following in the footsteps of tobacco and alcohol? Stakeholder discourse in UK newspaper coverage of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy. Public Health Nutr 2019; 22:2317-2328. [PMID: 31111808 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019000739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In politically contested health debates, stakeholders on both sides present arguments and evidence to influence public opinion and the political agenda. The present study aimed to examine whether stakeholders in the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) debate sought to establish or undermine the acceptability of this policy through the news media and how this compared with similar policy debates in relation to tobacco and alcohol industries. DESIGN Quantitative and qualitative content analysis of newspaper articles discussing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation published in eleven UK newspapers between 1 April 2015 and 30 November 2016, identified through the Nexis database. Direct stakeholder citations were entered in NVivo to allow inductive thematic analysis and comparison with an established typology of industry stakeholder arguments used by the alcohol and tobacco industries. SETTING UK newspapers. PARTICIPANTS Proponents and opponents of SSB tax/SDIL cited in UK newspapers. RESULTS Four hundred and ninety-one newspaper articles cited stakeholders' (n 287) arguments in relation to SSB taxation (n 1761: 65 % supportive and 35 % opposing). Stakeholders' positions broadly reflected their vested interests. Inconsistencies arose from: changes in ideological position; insufficient clarity on the nature of the problem to be solved; policy priorities; and consistency with academic rigour. Both opposing and supportive themes were comparable with the alcohol and tobacco industry typology. CONCLUSIONS Public health advocates were particularly prominent in the UK newspaper debate surrounding the SDIL. Advocates in future policy debates might benefit from seeking a similar level of prominence and avoiding inconsistencies by being clearer about the policy objective and mechanisms.
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Zimmermann BM, Aebi N, Kolb S, Shaw D, Elger BS. Content, evaluations and influences in newspaper coverage of predictive genetic testing: A comparative media content analysis from the United Kingdom and Switzerland. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:256-274. [PMID: 30583711 DOI: 10.1177/0963662518816014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Predictive genetic testing often entails challenging decisions about preventive measures and uncertain health-related risk predictions. Because of its increasing availability, it is important to assess how to debate it publicly. Newspaper content analysis represents a common and reliable way to investigate public discourse retrospectively. We thus quantitatively compare broadsheet newspaper coverage about predictive genetic testing in the United Kingdom and Switzerland during the period of 2011-2016 regarding content, evaluations, stakeholder influence, and trigger events. British coverage was more extensive and positive and included more personal stories. Swiss coverage had more focus on political issues. Angelina Jolie's announcement about her double mastectomy was the most important coverage trigger. Researchers were the most frequently cited stakeholder group, but stakeholders from government and civil society were also represented. Our results thus reflect a movement toward a more active public engagement with predictive genetic testing. The findings help to improve and enrich public engagement regarding predictive genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noah Aebi
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Kolb
- HTW Berlin-University of Applied Sciences, Germany
| | - David Shaw
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Switzerland; Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Bernice S Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Switzerland; Center for Legal Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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The Public Health Status and Foresight report 2014: Four normative perspectives on a healthier Netherlands in 2040. Health Policy 2019; 123:252-259. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Smith BJ, Bonfiglioli C. Audience Responses to Physical Activity in the Biggest Loser Australia. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2018; 24:21-28. [PMID: 30592695 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2018.1558314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The popular reality television show The Biggest Loser Australia (TBL) is a significant source of media content about physical activity. This study examined audience responses to and interpretations of physical activity in TBL. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted in New South Wales, Australia. A sample of 46 viewers of TBL was recruited, stratified by gender, age group, area of residence, and body mass index. Interview data were thematically analyzed to identify how viewers evaluated TBL. Respondents were most positive about TBL as public health education, premised on personal responsibility, the need for extreme action, and the possibilities of human agency (individually and collectively). Conversely, they were critical about whether the portrayal of physical activity could guide and inspire them personally. They expressed feelings of disgust and fear in response to the exercise challenges, questioned the practicality of the behavior change process in light of their own experience, and were skeptical about the purpose of the program itself. TBL's representation of physical activity may be limited in its capacity to encourage physical activity. Despite the wide viewership of this program, encouraging physical requires innovation in the development of practical, persuasive and evidence based media messages about physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Smith
- a School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine , Monash University , Australia
| | - Catriona Bonfiglioli
- b School of Communication, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences , University of Technology Sydney , Broadway , Australia
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Buckton CH, Patterson C, Hyseni L, Katikireddi SV, Lloyd-Williams F, Elliott-Green A, Capewell S, Hilton S. The palatability of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation: A content analysis of newspaper coverage of the UK sugar debate. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207576. [PMID: 30517133 PMCID: PMC6281206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excess sugar consumption, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), contributes to a variety of negative health outcomes, particularly for young people. The mass media play a powerful role in influencing public and policy-makers' perceptions of public health issues and their solutions. We analysed how sugar and SSB policy debates were presented in UK newspapers at a time of heightened awareness and following the announcement of the UK Government's soft drinks industry levy (SDIL), to inform future public health advocacy. METHODS & FINDINGS We carried out quantitative content analysis of articles discussing the issues of sugar and SSB consumption published in 11 national newspapers from April 2015 to November 2016. 684 newspaper articles were analysed using a structured coding frame. Coverage peaked in line with evidence publication, campaigner activities and policy events. Articles predominantly supportive of SSB taxation (23.5%) outnumbered those that were predominantly oppositional (14.2%). However, oppositional articles outnumbered supportive ones in the month of the announcement of the SDIL. Sugar and SSB consumption were presented as health risks, particularly affecting young people, with the actions of industry often identified as the cause of the public health problem. Responsibility for addressing sugar overconsumption was primarily assigned to government intervention. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the policy landscape favouring fiscal solutions to curb sugar and SSB consumption has benefited from media coverage characterising the issue as an industry-driven problem. Media coverage may drive greater public acceptance of the SDIL and any future taxation of products containing sugar. However, future advocacy efforts should note the surge in opposition coinciding with the announcement of the SDIL, which echoes similar patterns of opposition observed in tobacco control debates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina H. Buckton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Chris Patterson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lirije Hyseni
- Department of Public Health & Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - S. Vittal Katikireddi
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ffion Lloyd-Williams
- Department of Public Health & Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Elliott-Green
- Department of Public Health & Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Capewell
- Department of Public Health & Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Shona Hilton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Al Bawab AQ, AlQahtani F, McElnay J. Health Care Apps Reported in Newspapers: Content Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e10237. [PMID: 30348632 PMCID: PMC6231802 DOI: 10.2196/10237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newspapers are considered one of the most viewed and influential media sources in both the United Kingdom and United States. However, information about how newspapers portray health care apps to the readers has been lacking. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the reporting on health care apps in newspapers published in the United Kingdom and United States. METHODS The Nexis UK database was used to identify and select relevant articles. Systematic content analysis of the articles that met the inclusion criteria (articles of any format that contained reference to health care apps or medical apps) within the highest circulated newspapers in the United Kingdom and United States over a period of 10 years (2006-2015) was conducted. Interrater reliability of coding was established using a 10% sample of the chosen articles. RESULTS A total of 220 (151 UK and 69 US) relevant newspaper articles were retrieved. Health care apps were most frequently reported on in the Daily Mail and The Guardian (UK newspapers) and in the New York Times and the Washington Post (US newspapers). An exponential rise in published scientific articles (PubMed) on health care-related apps was noted during the study period. A total of 26.4% (58/220) and 19.1% (42/220) of the retrieved newspaper articles appeared in the features and main news sections, respectively. General information about health care apps was the main theme coved by the newspapers (45.9%, 101/220). Most of the articles represented a societal point of view (72.3%, 159/220). The main focus of the articles was on general health matters (48.2%, 106/220) and specific disease matters (36.8%, 81/220). Diabetes was the most frequently mentioned disease in the articles. A high proportion (91.4%, 201/220) of the articles mentioned benefits of using health care apps mainly for personalized care, whereas 24.1% (53/220) of the articles commented on related risks such as anxiety and confidentiality issues. Almost half (45.9%, 101/220) of the articles mentioned potential facilitators to the use of apps; less than 10% (16/220) discussed barriers. Most of the articles (83.6%, 184/220) were judged as having balanced judgment on the present topic and more than half (60.0%, 132/220) of the articles were judged to be of generally low quality. CONCLUSIONS Health care apps were not widely reported in newspaper articles in the United Kingdom and United States over the study period; however, there appeared to be much more recent interest. Characteristically, the articles focused more frequently on societal impact and on general health rather than on disease-specific apps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fahad AlQahtani
- Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - James McElnay
- Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Henderson L, Hilton S. The media and public health: where next for critical analysis? CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2018.1482663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Henderson
- Social & Political Sciences, Institute for the Environment, Health & Societies, Brunel University London , UK
| | - Shona Hilton
- Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow , UK
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Declercq J, Tulkens S, Van Leuven S. The produsing expert consumer: Co-constructing, resisting and accepting health-related claims on social media in response to an infotainment show about food. Health (London) 2018. [PMID: 29536766 DOI: 10.1177/1363459318763935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article examines the Twitter and Facebook uptake of health messages from an infotainment TV show on food, as broadcasted on Belgium's Dutch-language public broadcaster. The interest in and amount of health-related media coverage is rising, and this media coverage is an important source of information for laypeople, and impacts their health behaviours and therapy compliance. However, the role of the audience has also changed; consumers of media content increasingly are produsers, and, in the case of health, expert consumers. To explore how current audiences react to health claims, we have conducted a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of Twitter and Facebook reactions to an infotainment show about food and nutrition. We examine (1) to which elements in the show the audience reacts, to gain insight in the traction the nutrition-related content generates and (2) whether audience members are accepting or resisting the health information in the show. Our findings show that the information on health and production elicit the most reactions, and that health information incites a lot of refutation, low acceptance and a lot of suggestions on new information or new angles to complement the show's information.
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DeMarchis A, Ritter G, Otten J, Johnson D. Analysis of Media Coverage on Breastfeeding Policy in Washington State. J Hum Lact 2018; 34:156-163. [PMID: 28609174 DOI: 10.1177/0890334417706906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Media coverage and message framing about breastfeeding polices can influence important policy decisions in institutional and governmental settings. Research aim: This study aimed to describe the media coverage of breastfeeding policies and the message frames that are found in print newspapers and web-only news publications in Washington State between 2000 and 2014. METHODS For this retrospective media analysis study, 131 news articles published from January 2000 through June 2014 in Washington State that specifically discussed breastfeeding policy were identified, coded, and analyzed to explore the content of the sample and examine how arguments supporting or opposing breastfeeding policy were framed. The coding scheme was developed cooperatively and found to be reliable across coders. RESULTS The number of articles published each year about breastfeeding policy grew overall between 2000 and 2014 and peaked during periods of specific policy development. Seventy-four articles had a neutral tone, 49 supported breastfeeding policy, and 4 were in opposition. Nine distinct supporting frames and six distinct opposing frames were identified. Common supporting frames were health benefits of breastfeeding and the need for policies because of challenges of breastfeeding in public. The most common opposing frame was indecency of breastfeeding in public. CONCLUSION There is limited but growing media coverage of breastfeeding policies. For the most part, coverage is supportive of the need for policies. Breastfeeding advocates can apply information about media message frames to craft effective policy development strategies that counteract negative perceptions and promote the benefits of breastfeeding policies.
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David JL, Thomas SL, Randle M, Bowe SJ, Daube M. A comparative content analysis of media reporting of sports betting in Australia: lessons for public health media advocacy approaches. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:878. [PMID: 29137609 PMCID: PMC5684742 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4866-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Harmful gambling is a significant public health issue. There has been widespread discussion in the Australian media about the extent and impact of sports betting on the Australian community, particularly relating to young men and children. Given the role that the media plays in influencing policy change and political agendas, and the acknowledgement that media based advocacy is a fundamental component of successful advocacy campaigns, this research aimed to investigate how different stakeholder groups discuss sports betting within the Australian print media. The study uses this information to provide recommendations to guide public health media advocacy approaches. Methods A quantitative content analysis of print media articles was conducted during two significant Parliamentary Inquiries about sports betting - (1) The Joint Select Committee Inquiry into the Advertising and Promotion of Gambling Services in Sport (2012/2013), and (2) 'The Review of Illegal Offshore Wagering (2015/2016). A total of 241 articles from 12 daily Australian newspapers were analysed. Statistical analysis was used to compare frequency of, and changes in, themes, voices and perspectives over time. Results Discussions about the marketing and communication of sports betting was a main theme in media reporting (n = 165, 68.5%), while discussions about gambling reform decreased significantly across the two time periods (p < 0.0001). The presence of sports betting industry (p < 0.0001), sporting code (p < 0.0001) and public health expert (p = 0.001) voices all increased significantly across the two time periods. There were very few (n = 11, 4.6%) voices from those who had experienced gambling harm. Finally, while there were significantly fewer articles taking the perspective that regulation changes were needed to protect vulnerable sub-populations (p < 0.0001), articles that had a neutral perspective about the need for regulation change increased significantly across the two time periods (p < 0.0001). Discussion and conclusions Mapping the media reporting of sports betting is important in developing effective public health advocacy approaches. This study indicates that discussions about the marketing strategies utilised by the sports betting industry was still a main theme in media articles. However, discussions relating to sports betting reforms, in particular to protect individuals who may be vulnerable to the harm associated with these products and their promotional strategies (for example children and young men) decreased during the time periods. Public health advocates may seek to address the decrease in media reports about reform by developing clear evidence-based messages about why regulatory reform is needed, as well as the potential consequences of not implementing reforms. Working with organisations to build capacity for people who have experienced gambling harm may help ensure that individuals with a lived experience of harm have an increased voice in the media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L David
- Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Samantha L Thomas
- Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Melanie Randle
- School of Management, Operations and Marketing, Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Steven J Bowe
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Martino FP, Miller PG, Coomber K, Hancock L, Kypri K. Analysis of Alcohol Industry Submissions against Marketing Regulation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170366. [PMID: 28118411 PMCID: PMC5261775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of literature points to the role of vested interests as a barrier to the implementation of effective public health policies. Corporate political activity by the alcohol industry is commonly used to influence policy and regulation. It is important for policy makers to be able to critique alcohol industry claims opposed to improved alcohol marketing regulation. The Australian National Preventive Health Agency reviewed alcohol marketing regulations in 2012 and stakeholders were invited to comment on them. In this study we used thematic analysis to examine submissions from the Australian alcohol industry, based on a system previously developed in relation to tobacco industry corporate political activity. The results show that submissions were a direct lobbying tactic, making claims to government that were contrary to the evidence-base. Five main frames were identified, in which the alcohol industry claimed that increased regulation: (1) is unnecessary; (2) is not backed up by sufficient evidence; (3) will lead to unintended negative consequences; and (4) faces legal barriers to implementation; underpinned by the view (5) that the industry consists of socially responsible companies working toward reducing harmful drinking. In contrast with tobacco industry submissions on public policy, which often focused on legal and economic barriers, the Australian alcohol industry placed a heavier emphasis on notions of regulatory redundancy and insufficient evidence. This may reflect differences in where these industries sit on the ‘regulatory pyramid’, alcohol being less regulated than tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Graeme Miller
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Kerri Coomber
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Linda Hancock
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts & Education, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kypros Kypri
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Injury Prevention Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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