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Harvet A. Beyond the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Australia - New Zealand: Public health advocacy and the absence of health-conscious sport sponsorship. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2024; 7:100461. [PMID: 38283753 PMCID: PMC10821627 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Harvet
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Kuindo Magnin Private Hospital, 5 Rue Contre-Amiral Joseph du Bouzet, Nouméa, 98800, New Caledonia
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Jameson G, Stoneham M, Edmunds M, Pollard CM. Local government venues' sponsorship and signage policies to limit the promotion of harmful products: A Western Australian public health audit. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100062. [PMID: 37328390 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify and assess publicly available local government sponsorship and signage policies related to harmful products in Western Australia (WA). METHODS An audit of WA Local Government Authority (LGAs) websites (n=139) was conducted. Sponsorship, signage, venue hire and community grants' policies were located and assessed against set criterion. Policies were scored for the inclusion of statements regarding the display and promotion of harmful commodities (alcohol, tobacco, gambling products, unhealthy food and beverages). RESULTS Across WA local governments, 477 relevant policies were identified. Six percent (n=28) included statements restricting the promotion of at least one harmful commodity via sponsorships, signage, venue hire, and sporting and/or community grants policy. Twenty-three local governments had at least one policy that restricted unhealthy signage or sponsorship. CONCLUSIONS Most WA local governments do not have publicly available policies that specifically limit the advertising and promotion of harmful commodities in their government-owned facilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH There is a dearth of research identifying LGA interventions addressing advertising of harmful commodities within council-owned sporting venues. This research indicates opportunities for West Australian LGAs to develop and implement policy to protect public health by restricting the promotion of harmful commodities to their communities, improving the healthfulness of environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Jameson
- Curtin University School of Population Health, Bentley, 6102, Australia
| | - Melissa Stoneham
- Curtin University School of Population Health, Bentley, 6102, Australia.
| | - Melinda Edmunds
- Curtin University School of Population Health, Bentley, 6102, Australia
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Zorbas C, Martino F, Heneghan T, Potter J, Chisholm M, Cameron AJ, Sacks G, Ananthapavan J, Backholer K. Perceptions towards unhealthy food sponsorship in junior sports in Victoria, Australia. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100024. [PMID: 36907000 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100024] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore Victorian parents' and club officials' engagement with, and attitudes towards, the sponsorship of junior sports by unhealthy food and beverage companies. METHODS We conducted online surveys with 504 parents of children participating in junior sports and 16 semi-structured interviews with junior sports club officials (from clubs that accepted unhealthy food sponsorship) in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS Most parents were concerned about children's exposure to sponsorship by unhealthy local (58% extremely, very or moderately concerned) and large food companies (63%) in junior sports. The views of sporting club officials were grouped into four themes: (1) the existing funding challenges for junior sports, (2) how junior sports sponsorship is community dependent, (3) how the perceived risks of sponsorship by unhealthy food companies are low and (4) the need for high-level regulations and support to transition towards healthier junior sports sponsorship. CONCLUSIONS Transitioning towards healthier junior sports sponsorship may be hindered by insufficient funding models and low concern for such actions by community leaders. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Policy actions from higher-level sporting governing bodies and governments are likely to be necessary to reduce harmful junior sports sponsorship, alongside restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods through other media and settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Zorbas
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Florentine Martino
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Tara Heneghan
- The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Australia
| | - Jane Potter
- The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Australia
| | - Melanie Chisholm
- The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Australia
| | - Adrian J Cameron
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jaithri Ananthapavan
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Deakin University, Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
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Driessen C, Kelly B, Sing F, Backholer K. Parents' Perceptions of Children's Exposure to Unhealthy Food Marketing: a Narrative Review of the Literature. Curr Nutr Rep 2022; 11:9-18. [PMID: 35278205 PMCID: PMC8942884 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-021-00390-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review A key driver of unhealthy diets in children is the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages. Attempts to regulate children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing through government-led policies are challenged by commercial interests. Parents shoulder the responsibility of counteracting the effects of omnipresent unhealthy food marketing that children are exposed to within the food environment. In this narrative review we aimed to synthesise the evidence over the last 10 years on parents' perceptions of children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing and parents support for policies to restrict this marketing. Recent Findings The evidence indicates that unhealthy food marketing leads parents to feel undermined in their ability to provide healthy foods to their children. Despite this concern, parents tend to underestimate the levels of exposure to, and impacts of, unhealthy food marketing to their children, especially in the digital ecosystem. Summary The voices and support of parents represent a significant opportunity to accelerate policy action on food marketing. Increasing awareness among parents and caregivers to the high levels and harmful impacts of children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing, focusing on their right not to be undermined by such action, may drive support for policy change. Further research is needed to understand parents’ attitudes and perceptions related to their children’s exposure to contemporary unhealthy food marketing, specifically in digital environments, and the perspectives of fathers and parents from low and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Driessen
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Obesity Centre, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Bridget Kelly
- Early Start, School of Health & Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Fiona Sing
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Obesity Centre, Geelong, Australia
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Choice, Motives, and Mixed Messages: A Qualitative Photo-Based Inquiry of Parents' Perceptions of Food and Beverage Marketing to Children in Sport and Recreation Facilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052592. [PMID: 35270284 PMCID: PMC8909955 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Unhealthy food and beverage availability and sponsorship undermine healthy food practices in sport and recreation. We conducted a focused ethnography with reflexive photo-interviewing to examine parents' awareness, reactions, and experiences of food and beverage marketing in and around their children's physical activity in public sport and recreation facilities. Eleven parents took photos of what they thought their facility was 'saying about food and eating'. Photos guided semi-structured interviews on the '4Ps' of marketing (product, pricing, placement, promotion). Thematic analysis was conducted by holistic coding followed by in vivo, versus, and value coding. Photo-taking increased parents' awareness of food marketing in facilities. Reactions to food and beverage marketing were positive or negative depending on parents' perspectives of healthy food availability (choice), marketers' motives, and mixed messages within the facility. Parents experienced their children requesting 'junk' food at the facility leading to parents actively attempting to reduce the frequency of these requests. Healthy eating promotion in sport and recreation facilities was misaligned with the foods and beverages available which contributed to parents' distrust of social marketing initiatives. Critically evaluating the alignment of commercial and social marketing in recreation and sport may help inform effective healthy eating interventions that are accepted and supported by parents.
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A state-wide audit of unhealthy sponsorship within junior sporting clubs in Victoria, Australia. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:3797-3804. [PMID: 34034837 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021002159] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically audit the extent of unhealthy sponsorship within junior community sporting clubs and ascertain whether differences exist across geographical areas and sport types. DESIGN Club sponsorship data were assessed to determine the extent of unhealthy food/beverage, alcohol and gambling sponsorship using a cross-sectional design. Differences across geographical areas were assessed using logistic regressions. SETTING A stratified random sampling procedure was used to select thirty communities across the state of Victoria, Australia. Within each community, local clubs across the top eight participating junior sports were selected for audit. PARTICIPANTS Sponsorship data were collected from 191 club websites and Facebook pages in September-November 2019. RESULTS Unhealthy sponsorships represented 8·9 % of all identified sponsorship arrangements. A quarter of all clubs accepted alcohol (25·6 %) and unhealthy food sponsors (25·9 %), and one-fifth of all clubs accepted high-risk food (unhealthy brands with large market share) (18·1 %) and gambling sponsors (20·4 %). Acceptance of unhealthy sponsorship differed across sport types with football, netball, cricket and soccer clubs having the greatest numbers. Compared with metro areas, a significantly greater proportion of sporting clubs in regional areas were affiliated with unhealthy food (32·7 % v. 19·6 %) and high-risk food sponsors (26·9 % v. 9·8 %). A higher proportion of clubs in low socio-economic status (SES), compared with the high SES areas, were affiliated with alcohol (33·9 % v. 16·5 %) and gambling sponsors (27·4 % v. 12·6 %). CONCLUSION Victorian children participating in community junior sports are being exposed to marketing of unhealthy brands and products. Public health intervention is necessary to protect children from this exposure.
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Westberg K, Stavros C, Parker L, Powell A, Martin DM, Worsley A, Reid M, Fouvy D. Promoting healthy eating in the community sport setting: a scoping review. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6153943. [PMID: 33647956 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab030] [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: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Community sport organizations promote beneficial health outcomes such as social connection and physical activity, yet they can also facilitate the consumption of unhealthy food and beverages. To provide a foundation for future research and to inform intervention efforts in this context, this scoping review summarizes existing knowledge of the factors that contribute to unhealthy food and beverage consumption in the community sport setting and explores the interventions to promote healthier choices. Using a qualitative process aligned with the nature of our aims, 228 articles were initially identified and subjected to a systemized appraisal, resulting in 45 articles pertinent to the review. The findings identify that the two key factors contributing to unhealthy food choices are the limited availability of healthy options within the sport setting and the presence of unhealthy food and beverage sponsorship. These factors contribute to the normalization of unhealthy eating in this context and health promotion interventions have had limited success. Barriers to change primarily stem from the revenue implications of removing unhealthy food sponsors, lack of organizational capabilities and resources, and consumer preference for unhealthy options. Public health practitioners seeking to intervene in this setting should consider adopting practices used in other settings outside of the sport environment, including the use of technology, the role of peers and mentors and the co-production of impactful material. Community sport plays a vital role in delivering health benefits but must do more to stem its facilitation of a potentially unhealthy consumptive environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Westberg
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Constantino Stavros
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Lukas Parker
- School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Powell
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Diane M Martin
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Anthony Worsley
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Mike Reid
- School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - David Fouvy
- School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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The Extent and Nature of Food and Beverage Company Sponsorship of Children's Sports Clubs in Canada: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093023. [PMID: 32349246 PMCID: PMC7246505 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Food and beverage marketing is considered a determinant of childhood obesity. Sponsorship is a marketing technique used by the food industry to target young people when they are engaged in sports. The purpose of this study was to document the frequency and nature of food company sponsorship of children’s sports clubs in Ottawa, Canada. Using national data on sports participation, the five most popular sports among Canadian children aged 4–15 years were first selected for inclusion in the study and relevant sports clubs located in Ottawa (Canada) were then identified. Sports club websites were reviewed between September and December 2018 for evidence of club sponsorship. Food company sponsors were identified and classified by food category. Of the 67 sports clubs identified, 40% received some form of food company sponsorship. Overall, sports clubs had 312 commercial and noncommercial sponsors. Food companies constituted 16% of total sponsors and were the second most frequent type of sponsor after sports-related goods, services, and retailers (25%). Fast food restaurants and other restaurants accounted for 45% and 41% of food company sponsors, respectively. Food company sponsorship of children’s sports clubs is frequent with some promoting companies or brands associated with unhealthy foods. Policymakers should consider restricting the sponsorship of children’s sports clubs by food companies that largely sell or promote unhealthy foods.
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