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Schölin L, Hashini P, Kanapathy R, van Schalkwyk MCI, Eddleston M, Konradsen F, Weerasinghe M. "Ad hoc policy decisions" in the news: Media framing analysis of a pesticide import ban in Sri Lanka. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003497. [PMID: 39012886 PMCID: PMC11251609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Modern agriculture relies on pesticides to maximise outputs. While many highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) are banned in places like the European Union due to concerns about harm to the environment and human health, their use continues in many low- and middle-income counties (LMICs). Pesticide suicide is a public health problem unique to countries where HHPs are used, and Sri Lanka has successfully implemented several HHP bans as part of a suicide prevention strategy. On 27 April 2021, the Sri Lankan government announced an imminent import ban of all fertilizers and pesticides which was later revoked in November 2021. The aim of this article was to explore the media framing of the import ban as it pertained to pesticides. Guided by Entman's typology of frame functions, we analysed newspaper articles from nine Sri Lankan newspapers (N = 102) between 20 April to 31 October 2021. Overall, most framings were supportive of the ban, captured by framings that articulated the ban through a health, environment, and organic farming narrative. Framings that foregrounded farmer or industry livelihoods and the pesticide market were primarily adopted to express opposition to the ban. The presence of frames opposing the ban within media articles increased over time during the study period. There was a greater proportion of opposing frames in private newspapers compared to government (78% vs 22%). Many of the articles analysed described the widespread impact of the ban, but only 11% of articles represented the voices of policy end users. This study adds understanding to the ways communication via outlets like mainstream newspapers may shape public support or opposition to pesticide bans in a LMIC. Mass media is an under-recognised factor in policy implementation and this study may inform planning to implement pesticide bans in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schölin
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pramila Hashini
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Rajaratnam Kanapathy
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - May CI van Schalkwyk
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Eddleston
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Flemming Konradsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manjula Weerasinghe
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
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Konkor I, Bisung E, Soliku O, Ayanore M, Kuuire V. Exposure to mass media chronic health campaign messages and the uptake of non-communicable disease screening in Ghana. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302942. [PMID: 38820497 PMCID: PMC11142513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302942] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to examine the relationship between exposure to mass media health campaign massages and the uptake of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) screening services in Ghana and whether this relationship differs by place of residence. Available evidence suggests a general low uptake of NCDs screening in developing country settings. Unfortunately, many NCDs evolve very slowly and are consequently difficult to detect early especially in situations where people do not screen regularly and in settings where awareness is low. In this study, we contribute to understanding the potential role of the media in scaling up NCDs screening in developing countries. We fitted multivariate logistic regression models to a sample of 1337 individual surveys which were collected at the neighborhood level in three Ghanaian cities. Overall, the results show that exposure to mass media chronic NCD health campaign messages was significantly associated with increased likelihood of screening for NCDs. The results further highlight neighborhood-level disparities in the uptake of NCDs screening services as residents of low-income and deprived neighborhoods were significantly less likely to report being screened for NCDs. Other factors including social capital, knowledge about the causes of NCDs and self-rated health predicted the likelihood of chronic NCDs screening. The results demonstrate mass media can be an important tool for scaling up NCDs screening services in Ghana and similar contexts where awareness might be low. However, place-based disparities need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irenius Konkor
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Elijah Bisung
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University Kingston, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ophelia Soliku
- Department of Community Development, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Bamahu, Upper West Region, Ghana
| | - Martin Ayanore
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Vincent Kuuire
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto–St. George, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kerins C, Furey S, Kerrigan P, McCartan A, Kelly C, Vaughan E. News media framing of food poverty and insecurity in high-income countries: a rapid review. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad188. [PMID: 38150220 PMCID: PMC10752350 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad188] [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: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Food poverty and insecurity have become a public health emergency in many high-income countries. News media coverage can shape public and political views towards such issues. This rapid review synthesizes the evidence on how food poverty and insecurity are represented in the news media. Peer-reviewed publications were accessed through three electronic databases, with reference lists of all included studies screened. Primary research studies conducted in high-income countries and published in English since 1995 were included, with no restrictions on study methods. A combination of deductive coding to Entman's framing theory and inductive analysis was used. Ten studies, mostly rated as low quality, were included in the review. Newspapers were the only type of news media examined. The findings showed a largely absent nuanced understanding of food poverty and insecurity, with the problem often defined by food bank use and the consequences mainly focused on physical health. The causes were mostly attributed to structural factors, with the solutions largely focused on charitable food aid. The discourse of recipient (un)deservingness of food aid was evident. Articles often contained views from government officials and charities, with individuals' experiences of food poverty and insecurity largely absent. The findings of this review highlight that a major shift in print media discourse on food poverty and insecurity is required. More balanced and critical news reporting is required to present a more realistic picture of food poverty and insecurity, including its multi-dimensional nature, limitations of food charity and the need for structural solutions to this important issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Kerins
- Health Promotion Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Furey
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster University Business School, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Páraic Kerrigan
- School of Information and Communication Studies, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4 D04 V1W8,Ireland
| | - Aodheen McCartan
- School of Communication and Media, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT15 1ED, United Kingdom
| | - Colette Kelly
- Health Promotion Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Elena Vaughan
- Health Promotion Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
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Silva P, Araújo R, Lopes F, Ray S. Nutrition and Food Literacy: Framing the Challenges to Health Communication. Nutrients 2023; 15:4708. [PMID: 38004102 PMCID: PMC10674981 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and food literacy are two important concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Nutrition refers to the study of how food affects the body, while food literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make informed decisions about food and its impact on health. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of food literacy, food illiteracy remains a global issue, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. Food illiteracy has serious health implications as it contributes to health inequities, particularly among vulnerable populations. In addition, food literacy is a complex and multidisciplinary field, and there are numerous challenges to health communication that must be addressed to effectively promote food literacy and improve health outcomes. Addressing food illiteracy and the challenges to health communication is essential to promote health equity and improve health outcomes for all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Silva
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- iNOVA Media Lab, ICNOVA-NOVA Institute of Communication, NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1069-061 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Araújo
- Departamento de Artes e Humanidades, Escola Superior de Comunicação, Administração e Turismo, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus do Cruzeiro—Avenida 25 de Abril, Cruzeiro, Lote 2, Apartado 128, 5370-202 Mirandela, Portugal;
| | - Felisbela Lopes
- Centro de Estudos de Comunicação e Sociedade, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Sumantra Ray
- NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK;
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University at Coleraine, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
- Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0DG, UK
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Cicchini S, Russell C, Cullerton K. The relationship between volume of newspaper coverage and policy action for nutrition issues in Australia: a content analysis. Public Health 2022; 210:8-15. [PMID: 35863159 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.06.016] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Unhealthy diets are a leading risk factor for the global burden of disease. Research suggests that comprehensive, population-level solutions are required to attenuate this problem, though such policies have not been adopted. Increased media attention may lead to government-led policy action through issue definition and agenda setting. The aim of this study was to analyse which nutrition policy issues are covered in print media, and whether media attention correlated with relevant policy actions in Australia. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS A content analysis was conducted on newspaper articles published between 1999 and 2019 from 11 major Australian metropolitan newspapers. RESULTS Of the policy issues identified, few received meaningful media attention. Of those with peaks in media attention, only fortification and labelling issues coincided with government-led policy actions, while regulating junk-food advertising to children, sugar-sweetened beverage taxation, and the formulation of a National Nutrition Policy did not result in policy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Given the limited coverage of nutrition policy issues, the relationship between media attention and policy actions for the captured issues may not be determinable. In addition, factors including social, political, and historical contexts may be stronger influences on policymaking than media attention. Although this study did not demonstrate a relationship between media attention and policy action because of low coverage of nutrition issues, it did identify the media are generally reporting nutrition policy issues with a positive public health framing. Promoting favourable coverage of nutrition policy issues is still an important tool for advocacy globally. Moving forward, increasing the volume of coverage of nutrition issues should be an advocacy priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cicchini
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - C Russell
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - K Cullerton
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Puig-Perez S, Cano-López I, Martínez P, Kozusznik MW, Alacreu-Crespo A, Pulopulos MM, Duque A, Almela M, Aliño M, Garcia-Rubio MJ, Pollak A, Kożusznik B. Optimism as a protective factor against the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic through its effects on perceived stress and infection stress anticipation. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-15. [PMID: 35313448 PMCID: PMC8925294 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the recommended social isolation presented a challenge to people's mental health status. Optimism is a psychological factor that plays a key role in the evaluation of stressful situations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of perceived stress and Covid-19-related stress anticipation in the relationship between optimism and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our sample included 1015 participants ranging in age from 18 to 79 years, 80% of whom were Spaniards. At the beginning of the worldwide pandemic, participants were confined to their homes for at least seven days and completed an online survey measuring various sociodemographic and psychological variables. We found an indirect effect of optimism on intrusion and hyperarousal through perceived stress and stress anticipation. In addition, we observed an indirect effect of optimism on avoidance through perceived stress. Finally, the results showed a significant indirect effect of optimism on the total post-traumatic stress symptoms score through perceived stress and stress anticipation. Our results indicate that positive beliefs inherent to optimism are related to less psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Puig-Perez
- Research Group in Psychology and Quality of Life (PsiCal), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- Research Chair in Global Neurosciences and Social Change, Valencian International University and NED Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cano-López
- Research Group in Psychology and Quality of Life (PsiCal), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- Research Chair in Global Neurosciences and Social Change, Valencian International University and NED Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez
- Research Group in Psychology and Quality of Life (PsiCal), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Malgorzata W. Kozusznik
- Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organization, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Research Group Organizational and Occupational Psychology and Professional Learning, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Matias M. Pulopulos
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aranzazu Duque
- Research Group in Psychology and Quality of Life (PsiCal), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Almela
- Research Group in Psychology and Quality of Life (PsiCal), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Aliño
- Research Group in Psychology and Quality of Life (PsiCal), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- Research Chair in Global Neurosciences and Social Change, Valencian International University and NED Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | - María J. Garcia-Rubio
- Research Group in Psychology and Quality of Life (PsiCal), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- Research Chair in Global Neurosciences and Social Change, Valencian International University and NED Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | - Anita Pollak
- Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Kożusznik
- Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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Howse E, Cullerton K, Grunseit A, Bohn-Goldbaum E, Bauman A, Freeman B. Measuring public opinion and acceptability of prevention policies: an integrative review and narrative synthesis of methods. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:26. [PMID: 35246170 PMCID: PMC8895540 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acceptability of and public support for prevention are an important part of facilitating policy implementation. This review aims to identify, summarize and synthesize the methods and study designs used to measure and understand public opinion, community attitudes and acceptability of strategies to prevent chronic noncommunicable disease (NCDs) in order to allow for examination of imbalances in methodological approaches and gaps in content areas. We searched four scientific databases (CINAHL, Embase, Ovid/MEDLINE and Scopus) for peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between January 2011 and March 2020 in high-income, democratic countries across North America, Europe and the Asia–Pacific region. Studies were included if they focused on opinions, attitudes and acceptability of primary prevention strategies and interventions addressing the key NCD risk factors of alcohol use, unhealthy diet, overweight/obesity, tobacco use and smoking, and physical inactivity. A total of 293 studies were included. Two thirds of studies (n = 194, 66%) used quantitative methods such as cross-sectional studies involving surveys of representative (n = 129, 44%) or convenience (n = 42, 14%) samples. A smaller number of studies used qualitative methods (n = 60, 20%) such as focus groups (n = 21, 7%) and interviews (n = 21, 7%). Thirty-nine studies (13%) used mixed methods such as content analysis of news media (n = 17, 6%). Tobacco control remains the dominant topic of public opinion literature about prevention (n = 124, 42%). Few studies looked solely at physical inactivity (n = 17, 6%). The results of this review suggest that public opinion and acceptability of prevention in the peer-reviewed literature is investigated primarily through cross-sectional surveys. Qualitative and mixed methods may provide more nuanced insights which can be used to facilitate policy implementation of more upstream strategies and policies to prevent NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Howse
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia. .,Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Katherine Cullerton
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anne Grunseit
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erika Bohn-Goldbaum
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Becky Freeman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Howse E, Watts C, McGill B, Kite J, Rowbotham S, Hawe P, Bauman A, Freeman B. Sydney's 'last drinks' laws: A content analysis of news media coverage of views and arguments about a preventive health policy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:561-574. [PMID: 34551171 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION News media representation of preventive health policies can influence public discussion and political decision making, impacting policy implementation and sustainability. This study analysed news media coverage of the contested 'last drinks' alcohol laws in Sydney, Australia, to understand the arguments made by different 'actors' (stakeholders) regarding the laws and provide insights on how preventive health policies are positioned within media discourse. METHODS We identified print and online news media articles discussing the laws from 2014 to 2020. Content analysis was used to quantify the arguments made to justify support or opposition to the laws. RESULTS A total of 445 articles were included for analysis. Four hundred and thirty-five actors were identified, with industry actors mentioned most (213 times) followed by health actors (136 times). There were more quotes from opponents of the laws compared to supporters of the laws (57% vs. 25%). The proportion of media mentions reduced for supporters (34% in 2014 to 14% in 2020) while mentions increased for opponents (47% in 2014 to 73% in 2020). Supporters used arguments about crime, safety and health. Opponents of the laws focused on issues such as Sydney's 'night time economy' and negative impacts of the laws. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Opponents of the laws strategically used the media to influence public debate. Opponents, including industry actors, also ignored the health impacts of alcohol and utilised campaign groups to advocate against the laws. These findings have implications for how governments and advocates communicate and build support for contested preventive health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Howse
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christina Watts
- The Daffodil Centre, Cancer Council NSW and The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bronwyn McGill
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James Kite
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Samantha Rowbotham
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Penelope Hawe
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.,Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Becky Freeman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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