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Elmitwalli S, Mehegan J, Wellock G, Gallagher A, Gilmore A. Topic prediction for tobacco control based on COP9 tweets using machine learning techniques. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298298. [PMID: 38358979 PMCID: PMC10868820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The prediction of tweets associated with specific topics offers the potential to automatically focus on and understand online discussions surrounding these issues. This paper introduces a comprehensive approach that centers on the topic of "harm reduction" within the broader context of tobacco control. The study leveraged tweets from the period surrounding the ninth Conference of the Parties to review the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP9) as a case study to pilot this approach. By using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA)-based topic modeling, the study successfully categorized tweets related to harm reduction. Subsequently, various machine learning techniques were employed to predict these topics, achieving a prediction accuracy of 91.87% using the Random Forest algorithm. Additionally, the study explored correlations between retweets and sentiment scores. It also conducted a toxicity analysis to understand the extent to which online conversations lacked neutrality. Understanding the topics, sentiment, and toxicity of Twitter data is crucial for identifying public opinion and its formation. By specifically focusing on the topic of "harm reduction" in tweets related to COP9, the findings offer valuable insights into online discussions surrounding tobacco control. This understanding can aid policymakers in effectively informing the public and garnering public support, ultimately contributing to the successful implementation of tobacco control policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Elmitwalli
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - John Mehegan
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Georgie Wellock
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Allen Gallagher
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Gilmore
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Cohen JE, Eissenberg T, Zeller M. PMI-funded foundation for a smoke-free world: application of criteria to assess funding models that include financial support from the tobacco industry. Tob Control 2024:tc-2023-058474. [PMID: 38302259 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Recent changes to the leadership and the terms of tobacco industry financing of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) have called for a revisiting of a paper published in 2009 where we proposed criteria and other considerations to assess possible funding models for research that include financial support from the tobacco industry. This paper reviews and attempts to apply the elements laid out in 2009 to the current state of FSFW. After discussing each criterion and consideration we conclude that, at this point in time, conducting a thorough assessment using our 2009 paper is not possible because critical details related to FSFW governance, decision-making and process have not been announced. Nonetheless, we hope this paper will remind the tobacco control community that the 2009 criteria exist and highlight the information needed and questions that might be asked of FSFW to help form judgements about this new iteration of the foundation. We further hope this will put the FSFW on notice that they need to address each of these criteria and speak publicly about their plans regarding the specific issues raised in the 2009 paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna E Cohen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas Eissenberg
- Department of Psychology and Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mitch Zeller
- Retired Director, Center for Tobacco Products, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Lee E, Hoek J, Fenton E, Joshi A, Evans-Reeves K, Robertson L. An Analysis of Arguments Advanced via Twitter in an Advocacy Campaign to Promote Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:533-540. [PMID: 36269978 PMCID: PMC9910155 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advocates of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) increasingly use Twitter to promote liberal ENDS policies. "World Vape Day" (WVD) is an annual campaign organized by pro-ENDS advocacy groups, some of which have links to the nicotine industry (eg, via funding from the "Foundation for a Smoke-Free World"). In 2020, the campaign used dedicated social media accounts to disseminate WVD-branded images and campaign messages. We examined tweets posted as part of WVD 2020 to identify and analyze pro-ENDS policy arguments. AIMS AND METHODS We extracted tweets posted between 26 May and 3 June 2020 that included the hashtag #WorldVapeDay. We used qualitative thematic analysis to code a random sample (n = 2200) of approximately half the original English language tweets (n = 4387) and used descriptive analysis to identify the most frequently used co-hashtags. RESULTS Arguments related to four themes: harm reduction, smoking cessation, rights and justice, and opposition to ENDS restrictions. Tweets criticized individuals and groups perceived as opposing liberal ENDS regulation, and used personal testimonials to frame ENDS as a harm reduction tool and life-saving smoking cessation aid. Tweets also advanced rights-based arguments, such as privileging adults' rights over children's rights, and calling for greater recognition of consumers' voices. Tweets frequently used hashtags associated with the WHO and World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). CONCLUSIONS The WVD campaign presented a series of linked pro-ENDS arguments seemingly aimed at policy-makers, and strategically integrated with the WHO's WNTD campaign. Critically assessing pro-ENDS arguments and the campaigns used to promote these is vital to helping policy actors develop proportionate ENDS policy. IMPLICATIONS Social media platforms have considerable potential to influence policy actors. Tweets are easily generated and duplicated, creating an impression of sizeable and influential stakeholders. Evidence that the "World Vape Day" campaign was supported by groups with industry links, and targeted-at least in part-at WHO officials and those who follow the WHO World No Tobacco Day campaign, highlights the importance of critically reviewing such campaigns. Further research could examine how health advocates could engage in pro-ENDS campaigns to support balanced messaging and informed policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ell Lee
- Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Janet Hoek
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Ayush Joshi
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, UK
| | - Karen Evans-Reeves
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, UK
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, UK
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Matthes BK, Zatoński M, Alebshehy R, Carballo M, Gilmore AB. ' To be honest, I'm really scared': perceptions and experiences of intimidation in the LMIC-based tobacco control community. Tob Control 2022; 33:tobaccocontrol-2022-057271. [PMID: 35853639 PMCID: PMC10803975 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057271] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-evidenced that environmental or human rights advocacy comes with risks for those involved. Much less is known about the risks of tobacco control advocacy despite the emphasis on tobacco industry conduct. This study explores the experiences and perceptions of intimidation among members of the tobacco control community in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS We interviewed six experts representing each of the World Health Organization (WHO) regions to inform an online survey conducted among the LMIC-based tobacco control community. Thematic analysis was used for analysing qualitative data while quantitative data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS Twenty-three participants from five WHO regions completed the survey. Almost three-quarters of survey participants reported that they, or another member of the tobacco control community in their country, had experienced intimidation. The most frequently reported forms of intimidation were discreditation on social or traditional media, legal threats/action and threatening messages. Physical intimidation, theft/burglary, cyberattacks and surveillance were individually rare but reported collectively by over 40% of participants. Results suggested intimidation might be increasing and changing in nature, and undermines tobacco control efforts: it affects organisations' capacity and agenda, their ability to build relationships with those needed to advance policy, as well as the well-being of individuals. Participants used a range of strategies in response to intimidation and reported that they would benefit from better support. CONCLUSION This exploratory study suggests that intimidation is a crucial challenge for the tobacco control community. There are several measures the global tobacco control community could take, including establishing an international support mechanism and building capacity to deal with intimidation and draw attention to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Katharina Matthes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mateusz Zatoński
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Institute-European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland
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Weiger C, Moran MB, Kennedy RD, Limaye R, Cohen J. Beliefs and Characteristics Associated With Believing Nicotine Causes Cancer: A Descriptive Analysis to Inform Corrective Message Content and Priority Audiences. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:1264-1272. [PMID: 35385112 PMCID: PMC9278833 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many cigarette smokers want to quit but have not. Switching to noncombustible products can reduce disease risk, but misperceptions that nicotine causes cancer might impact relative harm perceptions about noncombustible products and considering switching. Identifying which smokers are most likely to hold this misperception and associated beliefs can inform the content of and priority audiences for corrective messaging. METHODS Bivariable log binomial models were run on a sample of 9,013 adult established smokers from Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health. Post hoc testing identified groups and beliefs associated with significantly higher-than-average prevalence of the misperception. RESULTS About 61.2% of smokers believe nicotine causes cancer or don't know. Non-Hispanic Black (PR: 2.09) and Hispanic (PR: 1.73) smokers, as well as those making under $10,000 a year (PR: 1.36) had significantly higher-than-average prevalence of the misperception. Smokers who had recently used ENDS or smokeless tobacco had significantly lower-than-average prevalence of the misperception (PR: 0.70 and 0.63, respectively). Prevalence of nicotine misperceptions was significantly higher-than-average among those who recognized all ten smoking-caused diseases (PR: 1.34), believed additive-free cigarettes were more harmful than regular cigarettes (PR: 1.71), or did not report subjective norms supporting noncombustible use (PR: 1.05). CONCLUSION High perceived threat of tobacco may be overgeneralized to nicotine. High prevalence of the misperception among Non-Hispanic Black and low-income smokers is concerning, considering existing health disparities. Messaging should attempt to correct the misperception that nicotine causes cancer. Inferential reasoning after message exposure should assess accuracy of relative harm perceptions. IMPLICATIONS The current study supports the need for corrective messaging to address the misperception that nicotine causes cancer. Identifying that nicotine misperceptions are associated with higher harm perceptions about tobacco suggests that there may be unintended consequences of high perceived harm of tobacco that need to be addressed. As nicotine misperceptions are significantly more prevalent among those already at higher risk of tobacco caused diseases, care should be taken to ensure equity in message dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Weiger
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meghan Bridgid Moran
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ryan David Kennedy
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St., 4th Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rupali Limaye
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joanna Cohen
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St., 4th Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hird TR, Gallagher AWA, Evans-Reeves K, Zatoński M, Dance S, Diethelm PA, Edwards R, Gilmore AB. Understanding the long-term policy influence strategies of the tobacco industry: two contemporary case studies. Tob Control 2022; 31:297-307. [PMID: 35241603 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper explores transnational tobacco companies' (TTCs) long-term policy influence strategies using two case studies, harm reduction and illicit tobacco, to identify lessons for the tobacco control movement and wider efforts to address the commercial determinants of health. METHODS Evidence from a broad combination of sources including leaked documents and findings from over two decades of TTC monitoring were reviewed for each case study and categorised using the Policy Dystopia Model, focusing on the primary discursive strategy and key instrumental (action-based) strategies used. RESULTS In both case studies, TTCs seek to advance their interests by engaging primarily in reputation management, coalition management and information management strategies over the long-term to propagate their over-riding discursive strategy-'we've changed, we are part of the solution'-despite clear evidence from both case studies that this is not the case. These strategies are globally coordinated and attempt primarily to reshape norms towards TTC involvement in tobacco control policy and delivery. Findings also suggest that industry denormalisation and the advent of Article 5.3 have led to the TTCs growing use of increasingly complex and opaque 'webs of influence'. CONCLUSIONS The tobacco control community must develop its own proactive long-term strategies which should include industry denormalisation, new ways to fund research that reduce industry control, and improved transparency measures for research and policy. These findings, including TTC adaptations to Article 5.3, also indicate the need for more structural solutions, addressing corporate power and the underlying political and economic system. These lessons can be applied to other unhealthy commodity industries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Dance
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Richard Edwards
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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