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Calvo-Porral C, Rivaroli S, Orosa-González J. Proposal and Validation of a Measurement Scale of the Acceptance of Ultra-Processed Food Products. Foods 2024; 13:1481. [PMID: 38790781 PMCID: PMC11120215 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Today, there is an increasing consumption of ultra-processed food products (UPFs), while more healthy options are available; however, there is no scale available that can adequately measure this phenomenon. In this context, the present study aims to develop and validate a measurement scale of the consumers' acceptance of ultra-processed food products. Research data (n = 478) were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), followed by a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The results confirm the validity of the proposed measurement scale comprising nine factors: the quality of ultra-processed food products, ability to save time, low affordable price, effortless preparation, convenience, hedonic nature, marketing strategies, satisfaction and purchase intention. The present study makes a noticeable contribution to food marketing, and food companies could consider these factors to design and commercialize ultra-processed foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Calvo-Porral
- Business Department, Facultad Economía y Empresa, University of A Coruña, Campus Elviña s/n, 15006 A Coruña, Spain;
| | - Sergio Rivaroli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum, Universitá di Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Javier Orosa-González
- Business Department, Facultad Economía y Empresa, University of A Coruña, Campus Elviña s/n, 15006 A Coruña, Spain;
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Aljaadi AM, Turki A, Gazzaz AZ, Al-Qahtani FS, Althumiri NA, BinDhim NF. Soft and energy drinks consumption and associated factors in Saudi adults: a national cross-sectional study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1286633. [PMID: 38115880 PMCID: PMC10729318 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1286633] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The consumption of soft and energy drinks poses a significant risk for non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies in Saudi Arabia have reported elevated consumption of soft/energy drinks, but nation-wide data is not available. Therefore, this study aims to explore the prevalence of soft and energy drinks consumption and its associated factors among a representative sample of Saudi adults. Methods The present research is a secondary data analysis of the 2021 Sharik Diet and Health National Survey (SDHNS). Current analysis used data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, physical activity, and soft and energy drink consumption. The frequency of soft and energy drinks consumption is assessed on a weekly basis. Results Of the 5,194 Saudi adults, 3,928 were analyzed. Overall, 67% consumed soft drinks weekly, while 30% consumed energy drinks weekly. In multiple logistic regression, consumption of either soft drinks or energy drinks was associated with males, a younger age, lower income, and lower physical activity. Individuals with overweight or obesity were less likely to consume energy drinks [OR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.71, 0.99) and 0.73 (0.60, 0.90), respectively] than those with healthy weight. However, education level was not associated with either soft or energy drink consumption. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions designed to reduce soft and energy drinks consumption in Saudi adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M. Aljaadi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Turki
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa Z. Gazzaz
- Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Saeed Al-Qahtani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora A. Althumiri
- Sharik Association for Research and Studies, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Informed Decision Making, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser F. BinDhim
- Sharik Association for Research and Studies, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Informed Decision Making, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ellithorpe ME, Bleakley A, Hennessy M, Jordan A, Stevens R, Maloney E. Athletes Drink Gatorade: DMA Advertising Expenditures, Ad Recall, and Athletic Identity Influence Energy and Sports Drink Consumption. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:3031-3039. [PMID: 36214773 PMCID: PMC10083192 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2131971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding why sports and energy drinks remain increasingly popular among adolescents despite declines in other sugar sweetened beverages is critical. This study points to memory for advertising exposure and adolescent athletic identity as two aspects that together help to explain consumption. An online survey of U.S. adolescents aged 14-18 (n = 503) was combined with Nielsen data for television and social media advertising expenditures by sports and energy drink brands in participants' designated market areas (DMAs). Advertisement recall mediates the relationship between social media DMA expenditures and sports and energy drink consumption. Recall for television advertisements is related to consumption but is unrelated to television DMA expenditures. Athletic identity moderated the relationship between recall and consumption such that consumption increased as both recall and athletic identity increased, suggesting a role for motivated memory and motivated processing of ad messages based on athletic identity consistent with the limited capacity model of motivated media message processing. Based on these results, we conclude that effectiveness of expenditures in influencing behavior is dependent upon both ad recall and ad relevance, and that athletic identity is an important factor in ad effectiveness in the context of sports and energy drinks advertising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Bleakley
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware
| | | | - Amy Jordan
- Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
| | - Robin Stevens
- USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California
| | - Erin Maloney
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware
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Thiab S, Barakat M, Nassar RI, Abutaima R, Alsughaier A, Thaher R, Odeh F, Dayyih WA. Knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drinks consumption among university students in Jordan. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e109. [PMID: 37964975 PMCID: PMC10641699 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy drinks gained popularity after the launch of Red Bull in 1997. Different brands are now available and young adults mainly consume these drinks. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drink consumption among university students in Jordan. A validated online survey was used to collect the required data, extracted from Google Forms into an Excel spreadsheet and statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. A nationally representative sample of university students with a mean age of 22⋅2 ± 3⋅9 years (n 749) was obtained. The participating students demonstrated a neutral level of knowledge about energy drinks, as the mean score of knowledge = 7⋅1 ± 2⋅2 (out of 12), with 66 % (n 498) of them having consumed energy drinks and experienced their effects. Generally, the study's participants demonstrated a neutral attitude towards energy drinks and 70⋅5 % (n 528) acknowledged that energy drinks increase activity, but more than 70 % of them believed that energy drinks have harmful side effects. It was found that there is a significant (P-value <0⋅5) positive correlation between knowledge score and female gender, studying a medical major, and monthly income. The main reasons for consuming energy drinks were reported to be: to stay awake for longer, help study, and become more energetic. There is a need for more structured awareness campaigns to warn students about the possible side effects of these products in order to reduce the consumption and popularity of these drinks among students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Thiab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Muna Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Razan I. Nassar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rana Abutaima
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa Private University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | | | | | - Faten Odeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Ares G, Natero V, Gugliucci V, Machín L, Alcaire F, de León C, Otterbring T. Health-Washing of Ultraprocessed Products on Instagram: Prevalence and Strategies in an Emerging Market. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:815-822. [PMID: 37777932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of health-related cues as part of the digital marketing of ultraprocessed foods on Instagram among food companies in Uruguay. METHODS Cross-sectional exploratory study. All content posted by 118 Instagram accounts of companies promoting ultraprocessed foods in Uruguay over 6 months (from August 2020 to February 2021) was retrieved. The content of 1,893 Instagram posts was coded considering visual and textual cues conveying health-related associations. The number and percentage of posts, including cues within each category and theme, were calculated. RESULTS More than half of all posts contained at least 1 visual or textual cue conveying health-related associations. Three main themes emerged: i) product composition, ii) healthy lifestyle, and iii) health and health benefits. The prevalence of health-related cues differed dramatically across product categories, ranging from 100% to 1.5%. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Health-washing constitutes an integral part of the digital marketing of ultraprocessed foods on Instagram in Uruguay. The inclusion of health-related cues can potentially undermine public health efforts targeted at reducing consumption of these foods. These findings suggest that strict and comprehensive regulations on the digital marketing of such products are needed in policies promoting healthy eating habits globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Uruguay; Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Virginia Natero
- Departamento de Alimentos, Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Vanessa Gugliucci
- Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Uruguay
| | | | - Tobias Otterbring
- School of Business and Law, Department of Management, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway; Institute of Retail Economics, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kraak VI, Holz A, Woods CL, Whitlow AR, Leary N. A Content Analysis of Persuasive Appeals Used in Media Campaigns to Encourage and Discourage Sugary Beverages and Water in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6359. [PMID: 37510591 PMCID: PMC10379826 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The frequent consumption of sugary beverages is associated with many health risks. This study examined how persuasive appeals and graphics were used in different media campaigns to encourage and discourage sugary beverages and water in the United States (U.S.) The investigators developed a codebook, protocol and systematic process to conduct a qualitative content analysis for 280 media campaigns organized into a typology with six categories. SPSS version 28.0 was used to analyze rational and emotional appeals (i.e., positive, negative, coactive) for campaign slogans, taglines and graphic images (i.e., symbols, colors, audiences) for 60 unique campaigns across the typology. Results showed that positive emotional appeals were used more to promote sugary beverages in corporate advertising and marketing (64.7%) and social responsibility campaigns (68.8%), and less to encourage water in social marketing campaigns (30%). In contrast, public awareness campaigns used negative emotional appeals (48.1%), and advocacy campaigns combined rational (30%) and emotional positive (50%) and negative appeals (30%). Public policy campaigns used rational (82.6%) and positive emotional appeals (73.9%) to motivate support or opposition for sugary beverage tax legislation. Chi-square analyses assessed the relationships between the U.S. media campaign typology categories and graphic elements that revealed three variables with significant associations between the campaign typology and race/ethnicity (χ2(103) = 32.445, p = 0.039), content (χ2(103) = 70.760, p < 0.001) and product image (χ2(103) = 11.930, p = 0.036). Future research should examine how positive persuasive appeals in text and graphics can promote water to reduce sugary beverage health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivica I Kraak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Adrienne Holz
- School of Communication, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Chelsea L Woods
- School of Communication, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ann R Whitlow
- School of Communication, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Nicole Leary
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Maloney EK, Bleakley A, Stevens R, Ellithorpe M, Jordan A. Urban Youth Perceptions of Sports and Energy Drinks: Insights for Health Promotion Messaging. HEALTH EDUCATION JOURNAL 2023; 82:324-335. [PMID: 37223247 PMCID: PMC10205042 DOI: 10.1177/00178969231157699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to examine urban adolescents' beliefs about sports and energy drinks to identify factors for health messaging to discourage youth consumption. Design Focus group study involving thirty-four adolescents in urban areas (12 female, 12 male, and 10 unreported sex; 19 Hispanic, 11 Non-Hispanic Black, 2 Asian, and 1 unknown race or ethnicity). Setting Four focus groups were conducted with adolescents in urban areas. Method Each on-time moderated group discussion was structured to generate an inventory of attitudinal, normative and efficacy beliefs associated with sports and energy drink consumption and reduction. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Attitudinal and normative beliefs were more positive towards sports drink consumption and energy drink reduction. Misperceptions about the need for sports drinks to avoid dehydration during physical activity were evident. Product accessibility and advertising pervasiveness were facilitators influencing consumption and barriers to reduction for both products. Conclusion Results highlight important differences in perceptions about sports and energy drinks that indicate the need for different approaches and messages for interventions designed to curb consumption of these products. Recommendations for message design are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K. Maloney
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Amy Bleakley
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Robin Stevens
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Morgan Ellithorpe
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- College of Arts and Sciences Department of Communication, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Amy Jordan
- School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Gugliucci V, Machín L, Alcaire F, Otterbring T, de León C, Natero V, Ares G. The content of Instagram posts featuring ultra-processed products through the lens of the heuristic-systematic model. Appetite 2023; 181:106393. [PMID: 36427563 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106393] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Digital marketing has seen a rapid rise in the last decade as a consequence of the increased popularity of social media. However, few studies so far have analyzed the prevalence and persuasive power of digital marketing of ultra-processed products. The present study aimed at: (i) analyzing the content of Instagram posts of ultra-processed products through the lens of the heuristic-systematic model, and (ii) evaluating the influence of the content of the posts on user interactions. A search for Instagram accounts of ultra-processed products was performed using a master list of products commercialized in the two most popular online supermarkets in Uruguay. For each of the identified Instagram accounts, all the content posted in a 6-month period was recorded (August 15th, 2020 to February 15th, 2021). The posts were analyzed using content analysis based on inductive coding, and gradient boosting models (GBMs) were used to address the second study objective. A total of 2178 Instagram posts promoting specific ultra-processed products or brands were identified. The posts included a diverse set of cues to trigger both systematic and heuristic processing. References to the pleasure derived from product consumption as well as health-related cues were most prevalent. The GBM showed that references to contests and raffles and invitations to interact encouraged users to engage with the posts through posting comments. Taken together, results stress the need to implement comprehensive regulatory approaches to reduce exposure to and the power of digital marketing of ultra-processed products given the harmful health-related consequences associated with excessive consumption of such products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Gugliucci
- Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad de la República, José Enrique Rodó 1843, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Tristán Narvaja 1674, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP 91000, Pando, Uruguay
| | - Tobias Otterbring
- School of Business and Law, Department of Management, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 17, 4630, Kristiansand, Norway; Institute of Retail Economics, Regeringsgatan 60, 103 29, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Virginia Natero
- Departamento de Alimentos, Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Ares
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Tristán Narvaja 1674, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay; Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP 91000, Pando, Uruguay.
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