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Crocetti AC, Walker T, Mitchell F, Sherriff S, Hill K, Paradies Y, Backholer K, Browne J. Making Big Business Everybody's Business: Aboriginal leaders' perspectives on commercial activities influencing aboriginal health in Victoria, Australia. Global Health 2024; 20:33. [PMID: 38637867 PMCID: PMC11025162 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01038-8] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commercial determinants of health is a rapidly expanding field of research; however Indigenous perspectives remain notably underrepresented. For Indigenous peoples the intersection of globalisation, colonialism and capitalism may amplify commercially-driven health inequities. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of Aboriginal leaders regarding the influence of commercial activities on Aboriginal health and wellbeing in Victoria, Australia. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with 23 Aboriginal leaders from across five sectors (n = 15 urban, n = 8 rural/regional) were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three overarching themes were identified encompassing (i) harmful commercial practices and processes, (ii) improving corporate engagement and (iii) opportunities for self-determination through business. Participants expressed concern over aggressive marketing by the gambling industry, commercial exploitation of Aboriginal culture, the privatisation of public services, and lack of oversignt of corporate social responsibility strategies. Simultaneously, Aboriginal-led businesses were viewed as opportunities for cultural connection, and financial empowerment and self-determination. CONCLUSION Numerous commercial entities and activities are perceived to influence Aboriginal health and wellbeing. This study highlights the need for stronger policy and regulation to mitigate harmful industry practices while incentivising the potential positive impacts of the commercial activities on Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Connor Crocetti
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Troy Walker
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona Mitchell
- Deakin Rural Health, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC, Australia
| | - Simone Sherriff
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Hill
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Yin Paradies
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Browne
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Rodriguez AML, Adams PJ, Sayes E, Kypri K. The role of gifts in building influence with politicians: Thematic analysis of interviews with current and former parliamentarians. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 125:104332. [PMID: 38422916 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104332] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Gifts are a powerful way to acknowledge and strengthen interpersonal relationships. As with any relational space, gifting plays various roles in forming and maintaining relationships in political contexts, but its contribution to relationship-building has attracted little attention. This paper examines how politicians in Aotearoa New Zealand both engage with gifting and how they navigate the perceptions of others. Four current members of parliament (MPs) and six retired MPs participated in semi-structured interviews with questions on common practices and common understandings about political gifting. Their responses indicate their use of four different processes: formal processes are the guidelines provided by the government on gifting, but when these are insufficient, contextual processes regarding perceptions of the media, constituents or colleagues are used, or, alternatively, MPs rely on personal values or view gifting in terms of transactional processes with both parties receiving benefits. The paper explores perceptions and complexities of a sequence of gifts during events (event gifting). The authors recommend an improved awareness and understanding of the contribution of gifting practices to political relationship building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ara Marie Leal Rodriguez
- School of Population Health, and Centre for Addiction Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Peter J Adams
- School of Population Health, and Centre for Addiction Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, Aotearoa New Zealand.
| | - Edwin Sayes
- School of Population Health, and Centre for Addiction Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Kypros Kypri
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, Aotearoa New Zealand
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CHUNG HOLLY, CULLERTON KATHERINE, LACY‐NICHOLS JENNIFER. Mapping the Lobbying Footprint of Harmful Industries: 23 Years of Data From OpenSecrets. Milbank Q 2024; 102:212-232. [PMID: 38219274 PMCID: PMC10938928 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12686] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Our research reveals the similarities and differences among the lobbying activities of tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and ultraprocessed food industries, which are often a barrier to the implementation of public health policies. Over 23 years, we found that just six organizations dominated lobbying expenses in the tobacco and alcohol sectors, whereas the gambling sector outsourced most of their lobbying to professional firms. Databases like OpenSecrets are a useful resource to monitor the commercial determinants of health. CONTEXT Commercial lobbying is often a barrier to the development and implementation of public health policies. Yet, little is known about the similarities and differences in the lobbying practices of different industry sectors or types of commercial actors. This study compares the lobbying practices of four industry sectors that have been the focus of much public health research and advocacy: tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and ultraprocessed foods. METHODS Data on lobbying expenditures and lobbyist backgrounds were sourced from the OpenSecrets database, which monitors lobbying in the United States. Lobbying expenditure data were analyzed for the 1998-2020 period. We classified commercial actors as companies or trade associations. We used Power BI software to link, analyze, and visualize data sets. FINDINGS We found that the ultraprocessed food industry spent the most on lobbying ($1.15 billion), followed by gambling ($817 million), tobacco ($755 million), and alcohol ($541 million). Overall, companies were more active than trade associations, with associations being least active in the tobacco industry. Spending was often highly concentrated, with two organizations accounting for almost 60% of tobacco spending and four organizations accounting for more than half of alcohol spending. Lobbyists that had formerly worked in government were mainly employed by third-party lobby firms. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows how comparing the lobbying practices of different industry sectors offers a deeper appreciation of the diversity and similarities of commercial actors. Understanding these patterns can help public health actors to develop effective counterstrategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- HOLLY CHUNG
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthThe University of Melbourne
| | | | - JENNIFER LACY‐NICHOLS
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthThe University of Melbourne
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Lacy-Nichols J, Johnson M, Cullerton K. Commercial lobbying and political contributions: an Australian scoping review. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100073. [PMID: 37478519 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many of the most effective and equitable policies to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases threaten the interests of powerful corporations. A first step for public health advocates seeking to challenge powerful corporate interests is to understand the nature and extent of corporate political practices. This scoping review explored public health research on two political practices in Australia: lobbying and political donations. METHODS We searched six databases, two Google Advanced searches and 11 Australian public health websites. We screened 2866 documents in total, and extracted information about political practices, industry actors and datasets. RESULTS 62 studies published between 1980 and 2021 were identified, analysing public health advocacy, policy submissions, direct engagement with government representatives and political donations. We extracted data from 14 studies that focused on direct engagement and/or political donations. Most focused on 'unhealthy commodity industries.' CONCLUSIONS Analysis of lobbying and political contributions in Australia is a nascent but expanding area of public health research. We discuss opportunities for future research to strengthen the evidence base and support public health advocacy to counter harmful corporate practices and promote and protect population health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Countering powerful commercial interests requires greater investment in understanding corporate political activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lacy-Nichols
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 3010 VIC Australia.
| | - Maggie Johnson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia
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Russell C, Hussain NAB, Sievert K, Cullerton K. Who is donating to political parties in Queensland, Australia? An analysis of political donations from the food industry. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1501-1512. [PMID: 36855788 PMCID: PMC10346088 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000435] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Australia's dominant food system encourages the overconsumption of foods detrimental for human and planetary health. Despite this, Australia has limited policies to reduce the burden of disease and protect the environment. Political donations from the food industry may contribute to policy inertia on this issue. We aimed to explore the extent of political donations made by the food industry in Queensland and investigate the timing of public health nutrition policies in relation to these donations. DESIGN We collected publicly declared political donations data in Queensland, Australia, as it has the most transparent donation records. Policy data were sourced from the Australian National and Queensland State Parliaments, and consultations from the Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation. SETTING Queensland, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Not applicable. RESULTS The Liberal National Party (LNP) received 68 % of all donations, with most immediately preceding the 2017 and 2020 state elections. The Australian Labor Party, despite forming government for the time period under study, received only 17 % of total donations. Most donations were given by the meat industry, followed by the sugar industry. Few policies exist to protect and improve human and planetary health, with limited associations with political donations for most industries except sugar. CONCLUSIONS Industry preference for the LNP, particularly as most donations coincided with election periods, may be due to the party's emphasis on minimal state involvement in economic and social affairs. The relationship between industry donations and policies is not clear, partly due to the limited number of policies implemented overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Russell
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Brisbane, Herston, QLD4006, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Nurul Amanina Binte Hussain
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Brisbane, Herston, QLD4006, Australia
| | - Katherine Sievert
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Katherine Cullerton
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Brisbane, Herston, QLD4006, Australia
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Crocetti AC, Cubillo Larrakia B, Walker Yorta Yorta T, Mitchell Mununjali F, Paradies Wakaya Y, Backholer K, Browne J. 'A recipe for cultural disaster!'- a case study of Woolworths Group's proposal to build an alcohol megastore in Darwin, Northern Territory. Global Health 2023; 19:38. [PMID: 37301864 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00938-5] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health and wellbeing impacts of commercial activity on Indigenous populations is an emerging field of research. The alcohol industry is a key driver of health and social harms within Australia. In 2016 Woolworths, the largest food and beverage retailer in Australia, proposed to build a Dan Murphy's alcohol megastore in Darwin, near three 'dry' Aboriginal communities. This study examines the tactics used by Woolworths to advance the Dan Murphy's proposal and understand how civil society action can overcome powerful commercial interests to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. METHODS Data from 11 interviews with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal informants were combined with data extracted from media articles and government, non-government and industry documents. Thematic analysis was informed by an adapted corporate health impact assessment framework. RESULTS Woolworths employed several strategies including lobbying, political pressure, litigation, and divisive public rhetoric, while ignoring the evidence suggesting the store would increase alcohol-related harm. The advocacy campaign against the proposal highlighted the importance of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups working together to counter commercial interests and the need to champion Aboriginal leadership. Advocacy strategies included elevating the voices of community Elders in the media and corporate activism via Woolworths' investors. CONCLUSIONS The strategies used by the coalition of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups may be useful in future advocacy campaigns to safeguard Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing from commercial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Connor Crocetti
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Beau Cubillo Larrakia
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Troy Walker Yorta Yorta
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Yin Paradies Wakaya
- Deakin University, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Browne
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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de Lacy-Vawdon C, Vandenberg B, Livingstone C. Power and Other Commercial Determinants of Health: An Empirical Study of the Australian Food, Alcohol, and Gambling Industries. Int J Health Policy Manag 2023; 12:7723. [PMID: 37579379 PMCID: PMC10461899 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.7723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial determinants of health (CDoH) represent a critical frame for exploring undue corporate and commercial influence over health. Power lenses are integral to understanding CDoH. Impacts of food, alcohol, and gambling industries are observable CDoH outcomes. This study aims to inform understanding of the systems and institutions of commercial and/or corporate forces working within the Australian food, alcohol, and gambling industries that influence health and well-being, including broader discourses materialised via these systems and institutions. METHODS Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with key-informants on Australian public policy processes. Interviewees were current and former politicians, political staff members, regulators and other public servants, industry representatives, lobbyists, journalists, and researchers with expertise and experience of the Australian food, alcohol, and/ or gambling industries. Interviews sought participants' perceptions of Australian food, alcohol, and gambling industries' similarities and differences, power and influence, relationships, and intervention opportunities and needs. RESULTS Strategies and tactics used by Australian food, alcohol and gambling industries are similar, and similar to those of the tobacco industry. They wield considerable soft (eg, persuasive, preference-shaping) and hard (eg, coercive, political, and legal/economic) power. Perceptions of this power differed considerably according to participants' backgrounds. Participants framed their understanding of necessary interventions using orthodox neoliberal discourses, including limiting the role of government, emphasising education, consumer freedom, and personal choice. CONCLUSION Food, alcohol, and gambling industries exercise powerful influences in Australian public policy processes, affecting population health and well-being. Per Wood and colleagues' framework, these manifest corporate, social, and ecological outcomes, and represent considerable instrumental, structural, and discursive power. We identify power as arising from discourse and material resources alike, along with relationships and complex industry networks. Addressing power is essential for reducing CDoH harms. Disrupting orthodox discourses and ideologies underpinning this should be a core focus of public health (PH) advocates and researchers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra de Lacy-Vawdon
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brian Vandenberg
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Charles Livingstone
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Kowalski M, Wilkinson C, Livingston M, Ritter A. Piloting a classification framework for the types of evidence used in alcohol policymaking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:652-663. [PMID: 36698279 PMCID: PMC11240880 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13599] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most studies of alcohol policy have focussed on the role of industry. However, little is known about the evidence base used in alcohol policymaking or policymakers' actions in the field. Here, we mapped the different evidence types used in a case study to construct a classification framework of the evidence types used in alcohol policymaking. METHODS Using a case study from the state-level in Australia, we used content analysis to delineate the evidence types cited across six phases of a policymaking process. We then grouped these types into a higher-level classification framework. We used descriptive statistics to study how the different evidence types were used in the policymaking process. RESULTS Thirty-one evidence types were identified in the case study, across four classes of knowledge: person knowledge, shared knowledge, studied knowledge and practice knowledge. The participating public preferenced studied knowledge. Policymakers preferenced practice knowledge over all other types of knowledge. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The classification framework expands on models of evidence and knowledge used across public health, by mapping new evidence types and proposing an inductive method of classification. The policymakers' preferences found here are in line with theories regarding the alcohol industry's influence on policymaking. The classification framework piloted here can provide a useful tool to examine the evidence base used in decision-making. Further study of evidence types used in policymaking processes can help inform research translation and advocacy efforts to produce healthier alcohol policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michala Kowalski
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire Wilkinson
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Livingston
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Alison Ritter
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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McCambridge J, Mitchell G, Lesch M, Filippou A, Golder S, Garry J, Bartlett A, Madden M. The emperor has no clothes: a synthesis of findings from the Transformative Research on the Alcohol industry, Policy and Science research programme. Addiction 2023; 118:558-566. [PMID: 36196477 PMCID: PMC10092733 DOI: 10.1111/add.16058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Transformative Research on the Alcohol industry, Policy and Science (TRAPS) programme investigates the alcohol industry, with an innovative focus on public health sciences. TRAPS adds to an under-developed literature on the study of alcohol industry influence on alcohol science and policymaking. This paper provides a synthesis of TRAPS findings to inform future research. METHODS We conducted an interpretive review of TRAPS research findings across its component studies, identifying and integrating the key contributions made by individual studies to the literature on alcohol policymaking and science, and identifying areas where TRAPS progress was limited. This produced themes for consideration in future research agenda setting. RESULTS TRAPS explored the interventions of the alcohol industry in science and policymaking using various methods, including systematic reviews and qualitative interviews. These studies identified the industry's activities in several key areas, such as the debate over minimum unit pricing (MUP), cardiovascular health and alcohol research and a long-running public relations programme developed in close connection with the tobacco industry. Collectively, the research shows that alcohol policymaking has involved a contest between the research community and alcohol industry actors about whether and how science should be used to inform policy. CONCLUSIONS The TRAPS programme demonstrates the need for a transdisciplinary approach to understand the nature of corporate political activity; the crucial role industry involvement in science plays in the development of corporate political power; and how public health actors have successfully overcome industry opposition to evidence-based policies. Advances in alcohol policy should be underpinned by strong, reflexive public health sciences, alert to the role of industry in the alcohol harms under study and thorough in their investigation of the alcohol industry as an object of study in itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim McCambridge
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
| | - Gemma Mitchell
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
| | - Matthew Lesch
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
| | | | - Su Golder
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
| | - Jack Garry
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
| | - Andrew Bartlett
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
| | - Mary Madden
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
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Mialon M, Bertscher A, Bero L, Vandevijvere S. Proposed methods for evaluating efforts made by governments to prevent and mitigate corporate influence and conflicts of interest in public health policy. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:41. [PMID: 37496747 PMCID: PMC10366553 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13553.2] [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] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is evidence that corporations try to delay, weaken, and avoid the adoption of measures that would protect and improve population health. This is particularly true and problematic for health harming industries, such as those producing ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and cigarettes. Financial conflicts of interest (COI) are also problematic in policy-making because they may compromise decision-makers' loyalty and independent judgment. Public opinion is in favor of preventing and mitigating that influence from corporations and COI on public health policy. A scoping review recently identified twenty-three mechanisms that could be adopted with that purpose and which principally cover: i) transparency and disclosure; ii) identification, monitoring, and education; iii) management; iv) prohibition of interactions with the industry and/or COI. There is, however, limited knowledge on the adoption of such mechanisms by governments. We therefore propose new methods for evaluating that progress at the country level. Methods and expected results: The proposed evaluation comprises five steps: 1) Gathering information about the national context; 2) Gathering evidence on the implementation of mechanisms by national governments; 3) Verification of step 2 by government officials and policy experts and local public health experts; 4) Identification and prioritization of actions in a workshop; 5) Supporting the translation of findings into policy actions. Conclusions: The evaluation of progress made by governments in their implementation of mechanisms for preventing and mitigating the influence of corporations and COI in public health policy could help countries systematize their efforts, benchmark their progress internationally, and give perspective on particular weaknesses, approaches, and investment gaps needed for change. We will implement and validate our methods in Ireland, as a first case-study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Mialon
- Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 H308, Ireland
| | - Adam Bertscher
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Lisa Bero
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
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Mialon M, Bertscher A, Bero L, Vandevijvere S. Methods for evaluating efforts made by governments to prevent and mitigate corporate influence and conflicts of interest in public health policy. HRB Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13553.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is evidence that corporations try to delay, weaken, and avoid the adoption of measures that would protect and improve population health. This is particularly true and problematic for health harming industries, such as those producing ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and cigarettes. Financial conflicts of interest (COI) are also problematic in policy-making because they may compromise decision-makers’ loyalty and independent judgment. Public opinion is in favor of preventing and mitigating that influence from corporations and COI on public health policy. A scoping review recently identified twenty-three mechanisms that could be adopted with that purpose and which principally cover: i) transparency and disclosure; ii) identification, monitoring, and education; iii) management; iv) prohibition. There is, however, limited knowledge on the adoption of such mechanisms by governments. We therefore propose new methods for evaluating that progress at the country level. Methods and expected results: The proposed evaluation comprises five steps: 1) Gathering information about the national context; 2) Gathering evidence on the implementation of mechanisms by national governments; 3) Verification of step 2 by government officials and policy experts and local public health experts; 4) Identification and prioritization of actions in a workshop; 5) Supporting the translation of findings into policy actions. Conclusions: The evaluation of progress made by governments in their implementation of mechanisms for preventing and mitigating the influence of corporations and COI in public health policy could help countries systematize their efforts, benchmark their progress internationally, and give perspective on particular weaknesses, approaches, and investment gaps needed for change. We will implement and validate our methods in Ireland, as a first case-study.
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Lesch M, McCambridge J. The alcohol industry, the tobacco industry, and excise taxes in the US 1986-89: new insights from the tobacco documents. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:946. [PMID: 35546230 PMCID: PMC9097384 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UCSF Industry Documents Library has provided public health researchers with key insights into the organization of political activities in the tobacco industry. Much less is known about the alcohol industry. In the US, there is some existing evidence of cooperation between the two industries, particularly in areas where there are mutual interests and/or policy goals at stake. Efforts to raise excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products are one such example. METHODS We systematically searched the UCSF Industry Documents Library for data on alcohol industry actors and their political activities. Using content generated by alcohol and tobacco actors, we sought to identify new evidence of collaborations to shape excise tax policy debates in the US in the 1980s and 1990s. RESULTS We uncover evidence of the alcohol industry's efforts to shape excise tax policy debates, both at the national and state level. Excise taxes were defined by both alcohol and tobacco companies and related organisations as a key threat to profits. We show how the alcohol industry confronted this challenge in the late 1980s in the US, uncovering the range of monitoring, coordinating, and public-facing activities used to defeat proposed tax increases at both state and federal levels. The former draws particular attention to Oregon, where alcohol industry actors were not simply operating at the behest of the tobacco industry, but actively led a campaign to advance both brewing and tobacco interests. CONCLUSIONS The tobacco documents offer a key resource for studying economic interests beyond that of the tobacco industry, operating in collaboration with tobacco companies. Here, brewers advanced shared interests with tobacco, and these findings have implications for advancing understanding of alcohol and tobacco industry political strategies. The findings also suggest that financial documents from other public repositories could be used to generate new inferences about corporate political activities.
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Watts C, Burton S, Freeman B. Conducting tobacco industry informant interviews: lessons and implications for commercial determinants of health research. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:daab169. [PMID: 34634798 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab169] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating and exposing tobacco industry tactics to oppose and interfere with tobacco control policymaking is crucial to advancing public health. Whilst past investigations of tobacco industry activities have largely focused on secondary sources of information, such as publicly available tobacco industry documents, the collection of first-hand evidence from key informants has been an under-utilized method in tobacco industry monitoring. This article provides a detailed account of a methodological approach to systematically recruit former tobacco company employees as key informants for a study that aimed to gather information on the marketing tactics tobacco companies use in the Australian retail channel. Given the success of our study methodology in uncovering new information about tobacco company practices, we propose that key informant interviews with former industry employees should be a priority method for research investigating the role of commercial actors in influencing public health outcomes. To offer guidance to researchers who may wish to undertake a similar methodological approach, we also provide a reflective account of the elements of success and the lessons learned from this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Watts
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, A joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Suzan Burton
- School of Business, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Becky Freeman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Rotering T, Apollonio DE. Cannabis industry lobbying in the Colorado state legislature in fiscal years 2010-2021. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 102:103585. [PMID: 35085854 PMCID: PMC9632648 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cannabis industry has an interest in creating a regulatory environment which maximizes profits at the cost of public health, similar to the tobacco, alcohol, and food industries. This study sought to describe the cannabis industry's lobbying activities in the Colorado State Legislature over time. METHODS This retrospective observational study analyzed publicly available lobbying expenditures data from fiscal years (FY) 2010-2021. Measures included inflation-adjusted monthly lobbying expenditures by funder and lobbyist, origin of funding, and lobbyist descriptions of cannabis industry clients. This dataset was supplemented with business license documentation, legislative histories, and public testimony. RESULTS The cannabis industry spent over $7 million (inflation adjusted) from FY 2010-2021 to lobby the Colorado legislature on 367 bills. Over $800,000 (11% of total cannabis spending) was from out-of-state clients. In 48% of lobbyist reports lobbyists did not disclose their funder's cannabis affiliation, and cannabis organizations used strategies that may have obscured the true amount and source of funding. Lobbyists and agencies concurrently represented the alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis industries, possibly facilitating inter-industry alliances when interests align. CONCLUSION The cannabis industry dedicated significant resources towards lobbying the Colorado State Legislature on behalf of policies intended to increase cannabis use. Creating transparency about the relationships between the cannabis industry, related industries, and policymakers is essential to ensure appropriate regulation of cannabis products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rotering
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, UCSF Clinical Sciences Box 0622, 521 Parnassus Avenue, Floor 3 Room 3303, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dorie E Apollonio
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, UCSF Clinical Sciences Box 0622, 521 Parnassus Avenue, Floor 3 Room 3303, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Adams PJ, Rychert M, Wilkins C. Policy influence and the legalized cannabis industry: learnings from other addictive consumption industries. Addiction 2021; 116:2939-2946. [PMID: 33739486 DOI: 10.1111/add.15483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM New Zealand has recently legalized medicinal cannabis and has explored the possibility of legalizing large-scale recreational cannabis supply. In the process, concerns have emerged regarding whether corporations involved in the large-scale production and sale of legalized cannabis will invest in tactics of influence with policymakers and the public. This paper aimed to examine the various ways a legalized cannabis industry could seek to influence governments and the public in the New Zealand reform context. METHOD Based on the study of industry tactics with alcohol, tobacco and gambling, we applied a three-chain model of industry influence that breaks tactics into the 'public good', 'knowledge' and 'political' chains. RESULTS Exploratory analysis of the nascent cannabis industry's activity in New Zealand provided signs of industry influence strategies related to all three chains. The medicinal cannabis industry has associated the establishment of a legal cannabis sector with regional economic development and employment, supported lobbying for recreational law reform, funded NGOs involved in lobbying for law reform, established research partnerships with universities, invited ex-politicians on advisory boards, and participated in government public sector partnerships. CONCLUSION There is emerging evidence that the legal cannabis industry is using strategies to influence the regulatory environment in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Adams
- Centre for Addiction Research, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rychert
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), SHORE and Whaariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, P.O. Box 6137, Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Wilkins
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), SHORE and Whaariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, P.O. Box 6137, Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand
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Goel S, Kar SS, Verma M, Sivanantham P, Naik BN, Gupta D. Evidence on article 5.3 of FCTC (tobacco industry interference in tobacco control activities) in India- a qualitative scoping study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1855. [PMID: 34649546 PMCID: PMC8515702 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Tobacco Industry (henceforth TI) yearns to portray itself as being "socially responsible" and fights for the decision-making positions; that are it used to deter, delay or dilute tobacco control measures. There is little documented evidence of Tobacco Industry Interference (henceforth TII) from India, the scope of their interference and challenges faced by the experts for effective tobacco control. This research study seeks to cover this significant gap in the literature on the TI of India. METHODS A cross-sectional qualitative research design, based upon in-depth interviews (N = 26), was used to explore the key stakeholders' opinions regarding TII in India. The interviews used a set of questions to collect information about the participant's roles and responsibilities in tobacco control, the nature of TII faced by the participants, means of influence by TI, barriers and challenges to tobacco control efforts. RESULTS Most of the respondents were engaged in tobacco control, training, advocacy and awareness generation activities for 5-10 years or more. The respondents defined the TI and its scope as per their experience with the help of the power ranking methodology. Most of them perceived TI as 'manufacturers' while others consider them as 'advertisers', 'public relation companies', 'wholesalers', 'vendors', and 'Government firms with TI stocks. The research team identified six significant domains: influencing the policy and administrative decisions, Interference in the implementation of tobacco control laws and activities, false propaganda and hiding the truth, manipulating front action groups (FAG), rampant tobacco advertising and promotion activities and others under which TII activities were classified. Most respondents believed that TI players were interfering in the policy decisions, implementing the tobacco control laws and activities and manipulating the FAG. A detailed taxonomic classification of the TII strategies that emerged from our analysis was linked to article 5.3 of FCTC. CONCLUSIONS The study documented a significant level of TII in different domains, with stakeholders acting at various hierarchical levels. Thus providing insight into the tactics of the TI in order to enable stakeholders to anticipate and pre-empt the kinds of alliances the TI may attempt to build; stimulating academicians and researchers to undertake in-depth analysis into various strategies and therefore underscoring the need to ensuring transparency in official interaction with the TI and its representatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonu Goel
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, 160012 India
- Public Health Masters Program at School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Sitanshu Sekhar Kar
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Madhur Verma
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bathinda, Bathinda, Punjab India
| | - Parthibane Sivanantham
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Bijay Nanda Naik
- Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna, Patna, India
| | - Deepti Gupta
- Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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Lacy-Nichols J, Marten R. Power and the commercial determinants of health: ideas for a research agenda. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-003850. [PMID: 33593758 PMCID: PMC7888370 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lacy-Nichols
- Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert Marten
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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Miller P, Martino F, Robertson N, Stafford J, Daube M. Public opinion of alcohol industry corporate political activities. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 45:283-289. [PMID: 34028934 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explores Australian public awareness and attitudes towards political donations from the alcohol industry and the 'revolving door' of politicians into industry or lobbyist positions. METHODS Data were collected via a nationwide online panel. RESULTS In total, n=1,044 participants completed the survey. More than half of the participants agreed that donations are made to influence government policy and to support the interests of the industry. More than half of the participants did not believe that it is appropriate for political parties to accept donations from the alcohol industry or for politicians to attend alcohol industry-hosted events. One-third of the participants agreed that public officials (including politicians) with a role in health policy should never be allowed to work or lobby for the alcohol industry (31.7%) and one-third endorsed a waiting time of 4-5 years. DISCUSSION There were demographic differences in the views that participants held of the alcohol industry and the relationship between the government and the alcohol industry. The findings suggest that the laws and controls governing industry-government relationships should be reviewed to ensure they are in line with public expectations, accompanied by education programs including a focus on corporate political activity by the alcohol industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Miller
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Florentine Martino
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Victoria.,Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | | | | | - Mike Daube
- Public Health Advocacy Institute, Curtin University, Western Australia
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Taylor N, Coomber K, Zahnow R, Ferris J, Mayshak R, Miller PG. The prospective impact of 10-day patron bans on crime in Queensland's largest entertainment precincts. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 40:771-778. [PMID: 33368837 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Night-time entertainment precincts (NEP) are the site of a disproportionate amount of alcohol-related violence, injuries and anti-social behaviour. To combat this the Queensland government introduced patron bans in October 2014, giving police the power to exclude individuals from NEPs and preventing patrons from remaining in or entering the designated area or from designated premises for the ban duration. Mandatory identification scanners within licensed venues were also introduced, which are used to enforce patron bans. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of police-issued 10-day patron bans for preventing alcohol-related violence or anti-social behaviour occurring within NEPs during high-alcohol hours. METHODS Queensland's largest NEPs; Brisbane central business district, Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise central business district; were examined. Time-series autoregressive integrated moving average analyses were used to estimate the influence of 10-day patron bans on police-recorded serious assaults, common assaults and good order offences. Analyses controlled for the introduction of relevant policy and identification scanners. RESULTS The number of police-issued patron bans did not significantly predict changes in serious assault, common assault or good order offence trends the weekend following the ban (within the 10-day period). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The current study was unable to find evidence indicating that 10-day patron bans reduced alcohol-related harms experienced in Queensland's largest NEPs in the short term. Further research needs to be conducted examining other types of patron bans, particularly longer bans issued in other jurisdictions or by licensees, and whether bans change individual's behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kerri Coomber
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Renee Zahnow
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Peter G Miller
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Mialon M. An overview of the commercial determinants of health. Global Health 2020; 16:74. [PMID: 32807183 PMCID: PMC7433173 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00607-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different terms are described in the literature that refer to commercial determinants as drivers of ill-health. The aim of the present review was to provide an overview of the commercial determinants of health, through a review of the literature on this subject. The review was conducted in December 2019 and updated in February 2020. Searches were conducted from peer-reviewed scientific articles, commentaries, books, and books chapters, with no restriction in their publication dates and languages. Main body The commercial determinants of health cover three areas. First, they relate to unhealthy commodities that are contributing to ill-health. Secondly, they include business, market and political practices that are harmful to health and used to sell these commodities and secure a favourable policy environment. Finally, they include the global drivers of ill-health, such as market-driven economies and globalisation, that have facilitated the use of such harmful practices. Short conclusion The discussion on the commercial determinants of health offers a unique opportunity to shift the dominant paradigm in public health, where individual behaviours are considered to be driven by inadequate environments. Ill-health, damages to the environment, and health and social inequalities, might be better understood through a commercial determinant lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Mialon
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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