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Chung A, Hatzikiriakidis K, Martino F, Skouteris H. Characterising Parent-Appeal Marketing on Foods for Children: A Scoping Review. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:393-398. [PMID: 38935250 PMCID: PMC11327212 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00559-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This scoping review examines current evidence on parent-appeal marketing on the front-of-pack of food products for children and the impacts on parents' perceptions, intentions, and behaviours. RECENT FINDINGS Thirteen relevant studies were identified. Marketing features on packages of foods for children that appealed to parents include health claims, nutrition claims, non-nutrient claims such as 'natural', healthy-looking product images, images of healthy ingredients, and celebrity endorsements. At the same time, parents were wary of front-of-pack marketing and find it confusing, deceptive, and misleading. Child-appeal marketing features such as cartoon characters and bright colours gave parents the perception that products were unhealthy. Overall, this scoping review offers important insights into the types of front-of-pack marketing that appeal to parents and offers an inventory of parent-appeal marketing features. These findings support the design and implementation of policies that aim to reduce commercial influences on children's diets through stronger regulation of marketing of foods for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Chung
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Kostas Hatzikiriakidis
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Florentine Martino
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Warwick Business School, Warwick University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Rodrigues MB, de Paula Matos J, Oliveira Santana M, Martins APB, Claro RM, Horta PM. Exposure and power of TV food advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a content analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:618. [PMID: 38408942 PMCID: PMC10898037 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17870-x] [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] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the Brazilian population has increased the time spent at home and watching television (TV). Since food advertising exposure is a key driver of food choices, this study described the content of food advertisements (ads) on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This is an exploratory study. A total of 684 h of TV programming comprised of three free-to-air channels and two pay-per-view channels was recorded from 06 a.m. to 12 a.m. for eight non-consecutive days in June 2020. A content analysis of all the food-related ads was carried out. The data collection process followed INFORMAS Protocol for TV food advertising monitoring. RESULTS The sample was composed of 7,083 ads, 752 (10.6%) of which were food-related and 487 (6.9%) were promoting ultra-processed foods. The content analysis indicated seven thematic categories, all of them with reference to the COVID-19 pandemic: brand and product differentials (79.8%); visual and sound effects (70.2%); thematic campaigns (56.0%); digitization (22.9%); convenience (16.5%); economic benefits (11.9%); and commensality and social interaction (6.1%). Ads content varied according to the day of the week, the time of the day, the length of the ad, and the channel type. CONCLUSIONS The thematic of food advertising on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic is aligned with the country's health crisis context and varied during the programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bittencourt Rodrigues
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Paula Matos
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marina Oliveira Santana
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, 01246-904, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, 01246-904, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moreira Claro
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, 01246-904, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Martins Horta
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Valderrama CE, Olstad DL, Lee YY, Lee J. Identifying factors that shape whether digital food marketing appeals to children. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1125-1142. [PMID: 37009657 PMCID: PMC10346072 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000642] [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] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children are frequently exposed to unhealthy food marketing on digital media. This marketing contains features that often appeal to children, such as cartoons or bold colours. Additional factors can also shape whether marketing appeals to children. In this study, in order to assess the most important predictors of child appeal in digital food marketing, we used machine learning to examine how marketing techniques and children's socio-demographic characteristics, weight, height, BMI, frequency of screen use and dietary intake influence whether marketing instances appeal to children. DESIGN We conducted a pilot study with thirty-nine children. Children were divided into thirteen groups, in which they evaluated whether food marketing instances appealed to them. Children's agreement was measured using Fleiss' kappa and the S score. Text, labels, objects and logos extracted from the ads were combined with children's variables to build four machine-learning models to identify the most important predictors of child appeal. SETTING Households in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. PARTICIPANTS 39 children aged 6-12 years. RESULTS Agreement between children was low. The models indicated that the most important predictors of child appeal were the text and logos embedded in the food marketing instances. Other important predictors included children's consumption of vegetables and soda, sex and weekly hours of television. CONCLUSIONS Text and logos embedded in the food marketing instances were the most important predictors of child appeal. The low agreement among children shows that the extent to which different marketing strategies appeal to children varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo E Valderrama
- Department of Applied Computer Science, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MBR3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Dana Lee Olstad
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yun Yun Lee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joon Lee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Data Intelligence for Health Lab, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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Dillman Carpentier FR, Mediano Stoltze F, Reyes M, Taillie LS, Corvalán C, Correa T. Restricting child-directed ads is effective, but adding a time-based ban is better: evaluating a multi-phase regulation to protect children from unhealthy food marketing on television. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:62. [PMID: 37231508 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01454-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As childhood obesity rates continue to rise, health organizations have called for regulations that protect children from exposure to unhealthy food marketing. In this study, we evaluate the impact of child-based versus time-based restrictions of "high-in" food and beverage advertising in Chile, which first restricted the placement of "high-in" advertisements (ads) in television attracting children and the use of child-directed content in high-in ads and, second, banned high-in ads from 6am-10pm. "High-in" refers to products above regulation-defined thresholds in energy, saturated fats, sugars, and/or sodium. High-in advertising prevalence and children's exposure to high-in advertising are assessed. METHODS We analyzed a random stratified sample of advertising from two constructed weeks of television at pre-regulation (2016), after Phase 1 child-based advertising restrictions (2017, 2018), and after the Phase 2 addition of a 6am-10pm high-in advertising ban (2019). High-in ad prevalence in post-regulation years were compared to prior years to assess changes in prevalence. We also analyzed television ratings data for the 4-12 year-old child audience to estimate children's ad exposure. RESULTS Compared to pre-regulation, high-in ads decreased after Phase 1 (2017) by 42% across television (41% between 6am-10pm, 44% from 10pm-12am) and 29% in programs attracting children (P < 0.01). High-in ads further decreased after Phase 2, reaching a 64% drop from pre-regulation across television (66% between 6am-10pm, 56% from 10pm-12am) and a 77% drop in programs attracting children (P < 0.01). High-in ads with child-directed ad content also dropped across television in Phase 1 (by 41%) and Phase 2 (by 67%), compared to pre-regulation (P < 0.01). Except for high-in ads from 10pm-12am, decreases in high-in ads between Phase 1 (2018) and Phase 2 were significant (P < 0.01). Children's high-in ad exposure decreased by 57% after Phase 1 and by 73% after Phase 2 (P < 0.001), compared to pre-regulation. CONCLUSIONS Chile's regulation most effectively reduced children's exposure to unhealthy food marketing with combined child-based and time-based restrictions. Challenges remain with compliance and limits in the regulation, as high-in ads were not eliminated from television. Yet, having a 6am-10pm ban is clearly critical for maximizing the design and implementation of policies that protect children from unhealthy food marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda Mediano Stoltze
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Marcela Reyes
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, 7830490, Chile
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Gilling's School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7400, USA
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, 7830490, Chile
| | - Teresa Correa
- School of Communication, Diego Portales University, Santiago, 8370067, Chile.
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Sing F, Backholer K. Strengthening Global Legislative Actions to Protect Children from the Harmful Impacts of Unhealthy Food and Non-alcoholic Beverage Marketing. Curr Obes Rep 2023; 12:1-9. [PMID: 36781623 PMCID: PMC9985549 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00492-6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Drawing on current global food marketing policies and the academic literature, we illustrate why and how existing legislative approaches can be strengthened to better achieve the goal of protecting children from the harmful impacts of unhealthy food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing. RECENT FINDINGS Around the world, governments are starting to implement legislative actions to protect children from exposure to unhealthy food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing. However, the scope of these approaches is limited and unlikely to meet their objective of safeguarding children from harmful marketing practices. The key opportunities for strengthening legislative design include increasing the age threshold of a child to 18 years; the broadening of focus from 'child-directed' marketing to all marketing that children are exposed to; designing tailored regulations for multiple settings, media and techniques; strengthening underlying food classification systems; balancing a comprehensive approach with stepwise regulatory implementation; and strengthening monitoring and enforcement systems. Our review and recommendations can aid policymakers when designing legislative approaches to protect children from the harmful impacts of unhealthy food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Sing
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Matos JDP, Rodrigues MB, Duarte CK, Horta PM. A Scoping Review of Observational Studies on Food and Beverage Advertising on Social Media: A Public Health Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3615. [PMID: 36834312 PMCID: PMC9960697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Popular social media platforms have been actively used by ultra-processed food companies to promote their products. Being exposed to this type of advertising increases the consumption of unhealthy foods and the risk of developing obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Thus, monitoring commercial content on social media is a core public health practice. We aimed to characterize the methods used for monitoring food advertising on social media and summarize the investigated advertising strategies via a scoping review of observational studies. This study is reported according to the MOOSE Statement, and its protocol was registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration nº. CRD42020187740). Out of the 6093 citations retrieved, 26 met our eligibility criteria. The studies were published from 2014 to 2021, mostly after 2018. They focused on Australia, Facebook, strategies aimed at children and adolescents, and advertising practices of ultra-processed food companies. We grouped strategies in eight classes: post features (n = 18); connectivity and engagement (n = 18); economic advantages, gifts, or competitions (n = 14); claims (n = 14); promotional characters (n = 12); brand in evidence (n = 8); corporate social responsibility or philanthropy (n = 7); and COVID-19 (n = 3). We found similarities in the investigation of strategies regardless of the type of social media. Our findings can contribute to the designing of tools for monitoring studies and regulatory mechanisms to restrict the exposure of food advertising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paula Martins Horta
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil
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Potvin Kent M, Guimaraes JS, Bagnato M, Remedios L, Pauzé E, Pritchard M, Wu D, L'Abbé M, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Broadcast Television Is Not Dead: Exposure of Children to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising on Television in Two Policy Environments (Ontario and Quebec). An Observational Study. J Nutr 2023; 153:268-278. [PMID: 36913461 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food marketing can influence children's dietary behaviors. In Canada, Quebec banned commercial advertising to children under the age of 13 y in 1980, whereas advertising to children is self-regulated by industry in the rest of the country. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare the extent and power of food and beverage advertising on television to children (age: 2-11 y) in two different policy environments (Ontario and Quebec). METHODS Advertising data for 57 selected food and beverage categories were licensed from Numerator for Toronto and Montreal (English and French markets) from January to December 2019. The 10 most popular stations for children (age: 2-11 y) and a subset of child-appealing stations were examined. Exposure to food advertisements (ads) was based on gross rating points. A content analysis of food ads was conducted, and the healthfulness of ads was assessed using Health Canada's proposed nutrient profile model. Descriptive statistics were tabulated for the frequency of and exposure to ads. RESULTS On average, children were exposed to 3.7 to 4.4 food and beverage ads per day, exposure to fast-food advertising was highest (670.7-550.6 ads per year), advertising techniques were used frequently, and the majority (>90%) of advertised products were classified as unhealthy. On the top 10 stations, French children in Montreal were most exposed to unhealthy food and beverage advertising (712.3 ads per year), although they were exposed to fewer child-appealing advertising techniques compared with those in other markets. On the child-appealing stations, French children in Montreal were least exposed to food and beverage advertising (43.6 ads per year per station) and child-appealing advertising techniques compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS The Consumer Protection Act appears to positively impact exposure to child-appealing stations; yet, it does not sufficiently protect all children in Quebec and requires strengthening. Federal-level regulations restricting unhealthy advertising are needed to protect children across Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Julia Soares Guimaraes
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Wu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madyson Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Amson A, Pauzé E, Remedios L, Pritchard M, Potvin Kent M. Adolescent exposure to food and beverage marketing on social media by gender: a pilot study. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:33-45. [PMID: 36321517 PMCID: PMC11077454 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022002312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this research was to determine if, based on gender, adolescents were exposed to different marketing techniques that promoted food and beverages over social media. DESIGN A secondary analysis of adolescent boy (n 26) and girl (n 36) exposures (n 139) to food and beverage marketing was conducted. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests were conducted to compare the number, healthfulness and the marketing techniques of exposures viewed by boys and girls. SETTING Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-two adolescents aged 12-16 years. RESULTS Boys and girls were exposed to similar volumes of food marketing instances (median = 2 for both boys and girls, Mann-Whitney U = 237, P = 0·51) per 10-min period of social media use. More girls viewed products that were excessive in total fat compared to boys (67 % v. 35 %, P = 0·02). Boys were more likely to view instances of food marketing featuring a male as the dominant user (50 % v. 22 %, P = 0·03), appeals to achievement (42 % v. 17 %, P = 0·04), an influencer (42 % v. 14 %, P = 0·02) and appeals to athleticism (35 % v. 11 %, P = 0·03), whereas girls were more likely to view instances of food marketing featuring quizzes, surveys or polls (25 % v. 0 %, P = 0·01). CONCLUSIONS Food and beverage companies utilise marketing techniques that differ based on gender. More research examining the relationship between digital food and beverage marketing and gender is required to inform the development of gender-sensitive policies aimed at protecting adolescents from unhealthy food marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Amson
- University of Ottawa, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- University of Ottawa, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ONK1N 7K4, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ONK1N 7K4, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ONK1N 7K4, Canada
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Unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children on digital platforms in Aotearoa, New Zealand. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2407. [PMID: 36550491 PMCID: PMC9773428 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's exposure to unhealthy food and beverage marketing has a direct impact on their dietary preference for, and consumption of, unhealthy food and drinks. Most children spend time online, yet marketing restrictions for this medium have had slow uptake globally. A voluntary Children's and Young People's Advertising (CYPA) Code was implemented in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ) in 2017. This study explores the Code's limitations in protecting children from harmful food and beverage marketing practices on digital platforms accessible to children. METHODS A cross-sectional content analysis of company websites (n = 64), Facebook pages (n = 32), and YouTube channels (n = 15) of the most popular food and beverage brands was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in NZ. Brands were selected based on market share, web traffic analysis and consumer engagement (Facebook page 'Likes' and YouTube page views). Analysis focused on volume and type of food posts/videos, level of consumer interaction, nutritional quality of foods pictured (based on two different nutrient profile models), and use of specific persuasive marketing techniques. RESULTS Eighty-one percent of websites (n = 52) featured marketing of unhealthy food and beverages. Thirty-five percent of websites featuring unhealthy food and beverages used promotional strategies positioning their products as 'for kids'; a further 13% used 'family-oriented' messaging. Several websites featuring unhealthy products also had designated sections for children, 'advergaming,' or direct messaging to children. Eighty-five percent of all food and drink company Facebook posts and YouTube videos were classified as unhealthy. Twenty-eight percent of Facebook posts for unhealthy products featured persuasive promotional strategies, and 39% premium offers. Nearly 30% of YouTube videos for unhealthy food and beverages featured promotional strategies, and 13% premium offers. Ten percent of Facebook posts and 13% of YouTube videos of unhealthy food and beverages used marketing techniques specifically targeting children and young people. CONCLUSIONS The voluntary CYPA Code has been in effect since 2017, but the inherent limitations and loopholes in the Code mean companies continue to market unhealthy food and beverages in ways that appeal to children even if they have committed to the Code. Comprehensive and mandatory regulation would help protect children from exposure to harmful marketing.
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Arraztio-Cordoba A, Araque-Padilla RA, Montero-Simo MJ, Olarte-Sanchez CM. The effect of food packaging elements on children's food choices and intake: A systematic review. Front Nutr 2022; 9:998285. [PMID: 36532538 PMCID: PMC9751922 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.998285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Little can be added about the worldwide concern over the exponential increase in obesity and child overweight problems. Much of the unhealthy eating habits occur at the time of food choice. The enormous influence of marketing strategies in general, and packaging in particular, has been highlighted here. In this respect, public policies that tend to direct choices toward healthier options have been developed. However, the usefulness of such policies will depend on evidence of how different packaging elements can influence children. This systematic review (SR) aims to compile the knowledge available to date on the influence of packaging on food choices and eating behaviours in children. Methodologically, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines have been followed to select papers. We also assessed the risk of bias in the studies analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The initial search strategy found 2,627 articles, although only 20 of them met the eligibility criteria. Data from the studies were extracted, categorised, and analysed. The results indicate that most of the packaging elements have some effect on children's food choices or food intake. The use of Cartoon is the element with the most consistent evidence of influence. Despite the number of studies and public initiatives developed to promote this informative and persuasive element, less consistency has been found regarding the effect of Nutrition Labelling. Therefore, the results found should be considered by both governments and organisations when promoting public policies that work for the wellbeing of children.
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Brown JM, Franco-Arellano B, Froome H, Siddiqi A, Mahmood A, Arcand J. The Content, Quality, and Behavior Change Techniques in Nutrition-Themed Mobile Apps for Children in Canada: App Review and Evaluation Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e31537. [PMID: 35171100 PMCID: PMC8892278 DOI: 10.2196/31537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children increasingly use mobile apps. Strategies to increase child engagement with apps include the use of gamification and images that incite fun and interaction, such as food. However, the foods and beverages that children are exposed to while using apps are unknown and may vary by app type. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to identify the app content (ie, types of foods and beverages) included in nutrition-themed apps intended for children, to assess the use of game-like features, and to examine app characteristics such as overall quality and behavior change techniques (BCTs). METHODS This analysis used a cross-sectional database of nutrition-themed apps intended for children (≤12 years), collected between May 2018 and June 2019 from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (n=259). Apps were classified into four types: food games or nongames that included didactic nutrition guides, habit trackers, and other. Food and beverages were identified in apps and classified into 16 food categories, as recommended (8/16, 50%) and as not recommended (8/16, 50%) by dietary guidelines, and quantified by app type. Binomial logistic regression assessed whether game apps were associated with foods and beverages not recommended by guidelines. App quality, overall and by subscales, was determined using the Mobile App Rating Scale. The BCT Taxonomy was used to classify the different behavioral techniques that were identified in a subsample of apps (124/259, 47.9%). RESULTS A total of 259 apps displayed a median of 6 (IQR 3) foods and beverages. Moreover, 62.5% (162/259) of apps were classified as food games, 27.4% (71/259) as didactic nutrition guides, 6.6% (17/259) as habit trackers, and 3.5% (9/259) as other. Most apps (198/259, 76.4%) displayed at least one food or beverage that was not recommended by the dietary guidelines. Food game apps were almost 3 times more likely to display food and beverages not recommended by the guidelines compared with nongame apps (β=2.8; P<.001). The overall app quality was moderate, with a median Mobile App Rating Scale score of 3.6 (IQR 0.7). Functionality was the subscale with the highest score (median 4, IQR 0.3). Nutrition guides were more likely to be educational and contain informative content on healthy eating (score 3.7), compared with the other app types, although they also scored significantly lower in engagement (score 2.3). Most apps (105/124, 84.7%) displayed at least one BCT, with the most common BCT being information about health consequences. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest nutrition-themed apps intended for children displayed food and beverage content not recommended by dietary guidelines, with gaming apps more likely to display not recommended foods than their nongame counterparts. Many apps have a moderate app quality, and the use of consequences (instead of rewards) was the most common BCT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah Froome
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amina Siddiqi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amina Mahmood
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - JoAnne Arcand
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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Mulligan C, Potvin Kent M, Vergeer L, Christoforou AK, L’Abbé MR. Quantifying Child-Appeal: The Development and Mixed-Methods Validation of a Methodology for Evaluating Child-Appealing Marketing on Product Packaging. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094769. [PMID: 33947116 PMCID: PMC8124606 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is no standardized or validated definition or measure of “child-appeal” used in food and beverage marketing policy or research, which can result in heterogeneous outcomes. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to develop and validate the child-appealing packaging (CAP) coding tool, which measures the presence, type, and power of child-appealing marketing on food packaging based on the marketing techniques displayed. Children (n = 15) participated in a mixed-methods validation study comprising a binary classification (child-appealing packaging? Yes/No) and ranking (order of preference/marketing power) activity using mock breakfast cereal packages (quantitative) and focus group discussions (qualitative). The percent agreement, Cohen’s Kappa statistic, Spearman’s Rank correlation, and cross-classification analyses tested the agreement between children’s and the CAP tool’s evaluation of packages’ child-appeal and marketing power (criterion validity) and the content analysis tested the relevance of the CAP marketing techniques (content validity). There was an 80% agreement, and “moderate” pairwise agreement (κ [95% CI]: 0.54 [0.35, 0.73]) between children/CAP binary classifications and “strong” correlation (rs [95% CI]: 0.78 [0.63, 0.89]) between children/CAP rankings of packages, with 71.1% of packages ranked in the exact agreement. The marketing techniques included in the CAP tool corresponded to those children found pertinent. Pilot results suggest the criterion/content validity of the CAP tool for measuring child-appealing marketing on packaging in accordance with children’s preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (L.V.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (L.V.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Anthea K. Christoforou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (L.V.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Mary R. L’Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (L.V.); (A.K.C.)
- Correspondence:
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