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Nguenha N, Rodriguez C, Drope J, Bialous SA, Cunguara B, Lencucha R. Tobacco policy (in)coherence in Mozambique: an examination of national and subnational stakeholder perspectives. Health Policy Plan 2024; 39:333-343. [PMID: 38459919 PMCID: PMC11005848 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czae010] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Mozambique ranks fifth on the list of tobacco producing countries in Africa, while also being a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Tobacco farming is regarded by some governments as a strategic economic commodity for export and remains deeply entrenched within Mozambique's political and economic landscape. This study uses a qualitative description methodology to identify tensions, conflicts and alignment or misalignment in policy on tobacco across government sectors and levels in Mozambique. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 33 key informants from sectors across national and subnational levels including health, agriculture, economic and commercial sectors, as well as non-state actors from civil society organizations, the tobacco industry, farmers unions and associations and individual farmers. Incoherence was present across sectoral mandates, perspectives on industry's presence in the country and regions and between FCTC provisions and informant perceptions of tobacco production as a development strategy. Despite tobacco being viewed as an important economic commodity by many informants, there was also widespread dissatisfaction with tobacco from both farmers and some government officials. There were indications of an openness to shifting to a policy that emphasizes alternatives to tobacco growing. The findings also illustrate where points of convergence exist across sectors and where opportunities for aligning tobacco policy with the provisions of the FCTC can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Nguenha
- Global Alliance for Tobacco Control, 1 Nicholas St, Suite 1004, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7, Canada
| | - Charo Rodriguez
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, 5858, chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, Quebec H3S 1Z1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Drope
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Stella Aguinaga Bialous
- School of Nursing and Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Benedito Cunguara
- Ministry of Economy and Finance, Gabinete de Desenvolvimento do Compacto II, Avenida 10 de Novembro, Praça da Marinha, Nº 929, Maputo 929, Mozambique
| | - Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y5, Canada
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Lee Y, Kim S, Kim MK, Kawachi I, Oh J. Association between Tobacco Industry Interference Index (TIII) and MPOWER measures and adult daily smoking prevalence rate in 30 countries. Global Health 2024; 20:6. [PMID: 38172937 PMCID: PMC10765652 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-01003-x] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the impact of tobacco industry interference on the implementation and management of tobacco control and the tobacco epidemic using the Tobacco Industry Interference Index (TIII) and MPOWER-a package of measures for tobacco control-and adult daily smoking prevalence in 30 countries. METHODS The TIII was extracted from the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2019 and Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC). MPOWER measures and adult daily smoking prevalence rate were extracted from the World Health Organization (WHO) report on the global tobacco epidemic in 2021. We assessed the ecological cross-lagged association between TIII and MPOWER scores and between TIII and age-standardized prevalence rates for adult daily tobacco users. RESULTS Tobacco industry interference was inversely correlated with a country's package of tobacco control measures (β = -0.088, P = 0.035). The TIII was correlated with weaker warnings about the dangers of tobacco (β = -0.016, P = 0.078) and lack of enforcement of bans on tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship (β = -0.023, P = 0.026). In turn, the higher the TIII, the higher the age-standardized prevalence of adult daily tobacco smokers for both sexes (β = 0.170, P = 0.036). Adult daily smoking prevalence in males (β = 0.417, P = 0.004) was higher in countries where the tobacco industry received incentives that benefited its business. CONCLUSION Where the interference of the tobacco industries was high, national compliance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was lower, and the prevalence of adult daily smokers higher. National governments and global society must work together to minimize the tobacco industry's efforts to interfere with tobacco control policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Lee
- Department of Health and Medical Information, Myongji College, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Siwoo Kim
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, SNU Medical Research Center, 103 Daehakro, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyung Kim
- Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- John L. Loeb & Frances Lehman Loeb Professor of Social Epidemiology, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., 7th floor, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Juhwan Oh
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehakro, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Linnansaari A, Ollila H, Pisinger C, Scheffels J, Kinnunen JM, Rimpelä A. Towards Tobacco-Free Generation: implementation of preventive tobacco policies in the Nordic countries. Scand J Public Health 2023; 51:1108-1121. [PMID: 35799463 PMCID: PMC10642214 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221106867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Europe's Beating Cancer Plan set a goal of creating a Tobacco-Free Generation in Europe by 2040. Prevention is important for achieving this goal. We compare the Nordic countries' preventive tobacco policies, discuss the possible determinants for similarities and differences in policy implementation, and provide strategies for strengthening tobacco prevention. METHODS We used the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to identify the key policies for this narrative review. We focused on Articles 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16 of the WHO FCTC, and assessed the status of the required (core) and recommended (advanced) policies and their application to novel tobacco and nicotine products. Information on the implementation of strategies, acts and regulations were searched from global and national tobacco control databases, websites and scientific articles via PubMed and MEDLINE. RESULTS The WHO FCTC and European regulations have ensured that the core policies are mostly in place, but also contributed to the shared deficiencies that are seen especially in the regulations on smokeless tobacco and novel products. Strong national tobacco control actors have facilitated countries to implement some advanced policies - even as the first countries in the world: point-of-sale display bans (Iceland), outdoor smoking bans (Sweden), flavour bans on electronic cigarettes (Finland), plain packaging (Norway), and plain packaging on electronic cigarettes (Denmark). CONCLUSIONS Collaboration and participation in reinforcing the European regulations, resources for national networking between tobacco control actors, and national regulations to provide protection from the tobacco industry's interference are needed to strengthen comprehensive implementation of tobacco policies in the Nordic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Linnansaari
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Health Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hanna Ollila
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Charlotta Pisinger
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Heart Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janne Scheffels
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jaana M. Kinnunen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Health Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arja Rimpelä
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Health Sciences, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Patay D, Schram A, Friel S. The challenges in protecting public health interests in multisectoral governance in the context of small island developing states: the case of tobacco control in Fiji and Vanuatu. Global Health 2023; 19:31. [PMID: 37118741 PMCID: PMC10142426 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00931-y] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commercial determinants of health (CDoH) drive the rise of NCDs globally, and their regulation requires multisectoral governance. Despite existing recommendations to strengthen institutional structures, protecting public health interests can be challenging amidst industry interference and conflicting policy priorities, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the need for rapid economic development is pronounced. Small island developing states (SIDS) face even more challenges in regulating CDoH because their unique socioeconomic, political, and geographic vulnerabilities may weaken institutional conditions that could aid health sector actors in protecting health interests. This study aims to explore the institutional conditions that shape health sector actors' capability to protect public health interests in tobacco governance in Fiji and Vanuatu. METHODS We employed a qualitative, exploratory case study design. We applied the administrative process theory to inform data collection and analysis. Seventy interviews were completed in Fiji and Vanuatu from 2018 to 2019. RESULTS The findings show that the protection of health interests in tobacco governance were not supported by the institutional conditions in Fiji and Vanuatu. While the policy processes formally ensured a level playing field between actors, policies were often developed through informal mechanisms, and the safeguards to protect public interests from vested private interests were not implemented adequately. SIDS vulnerabilities and weak regulation of political parties contributed to the politicisation of government in both states, resulting in high-level government officials' questionable commitment to protect public health interests. The system of checks and balances usually embedded into democratic governments appeared to be muted, and policymakers had limited bureaucratic autonomy to elevate health interests in multisectoral policymaking amidst high-level government officials' frequent rotation. Finally, capacity constraints aggravated by SIDS vulnerabilities negatively impacted health sector actors' capability to analyse policy alternatives. CONCLUSIONS Health sector actors in Fiji and Vanuatu were not supported by institutional conditions that could help them protect public health interests in multisectoral governance to regulate CDoH originating from the tobacco industry. Institutional conditions in these states were shaped by SIDS vulnerabilities but could be improved by targeted capacity building, governance and political system strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori Patay
- School of Regulation and Global Governance, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economy, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Ashley Schram
- School of Regulation and Global Governance, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sharon Friel
- School of Regulation and Global Governance, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Jongenelis MI. Challenges and opportunities associated with e-cigarettes in Australia: A qualitative study. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100006. [PMID: 36693288 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2022.100006] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of e-cigarettes in Australia has increased significantly in recent years. To assist with identifying policy and practice priorities, this study sought to provide a greater understanding of the population-level challenges and opportunities associated with these products. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 public health experts working in tobacco- and/or nicotine-related policy, practice and research. Interview transcripts were subject to reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Several challenges associated with e-cigarettes were identified, with uptake of use among youth, the potential for use to lead to smoking and industry interference the most frequently mentioned. Recommended means of addressing these challenges included improved regulation and increased enforcement of existing laws. Most interviewees acknowledged some potential for e-cigarettes to assist with smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS Despite strong restrictions on e-cigarettes in Australia, experts working in this field reported that these products, and the companies behind them, present several challenges to public health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Tighter regulation and increased enforcement are needed to address the challenges posed by e-cigarettes. Controlled access to liquid nicotine under a pharmaceutical model offers an opportunity for smokers to access the behavioural support that may help them to quit while also restricting e-cigarette availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle I Jongenelis
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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Crosbie E, Borges LC, Eckford R, Sebrié EM, Severini G, Bialous SA. Overcoming tobacco industry opposition to standardized packaging in the Americas. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e145. [PMID: 36211244 PMCID: PMC9534348 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Countries in the Region of the Americas have been slow to adopt standardized packaging of tobacco products. The objectives of this analysis are to report on the progress made in adopting such packaging in countries in the Region, review known tobacco industry strategies for opposing these policies and discuss the resources available to academics, advocates and policy-makers who might be interested in advancing the use of standardized packaging in the Region. Of the 23 countries worldwide that have fully adopted standardized packaging laws, only 2 are in the Region (Canada and Uruguay). Six other countries (Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Panama) have tried to introduce standardized packaging through draft bills, all of which have been delayed or withdrawn. There are indications that the tobacco industry has used its playbook of arguments to oppose the policy in those countries, including allegations that standardized packaging breaches national laws and international treaties protecting intellectual property, alongside threats of litigation. It is possible that these threats and allegations may have had a greater effect in the Region because of the lengthy (6 years) and costly (legal fees of US$ 10 million) international investment arbitration brought by Philip Morris International against Uruguay’s strong tobacco packaging laws. However, all of the industry’s arguments have been debunked, and national courts and international legal forums have upheld standardized packaging as a lawful policy. Governments in the Region of the Americas should follow the examples of Canada and Uruguay and reject the industry’s false arguments and litigation threats. This analysis discusses some of the financial and technical resources that can assist them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Crosbie
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, United States of America
| | - Luciana C. Borges
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, United States of America
| | - Robert Eckford
- Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Ernesto M. Sebrié
- Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Gianella Severini
- Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Stella A. Bialous
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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O’Brien P. Reducing the Power of the Alcohol Industry in Trade and Investment Agreement Negotiations Through Improved Global Governance of Alcohol Comment on "What Generates Attention to Health in Trade Policy-Making? Lessons From Success in Tobacco Control and Access to Medicines: A Qualitative Study of Australia and the (Comprehensive and Progressive) Trans-Pacific Partnership". Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:529-532. [PMID: 33619937 PMCID: PMC9309950 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The power of the alcohol industry pervades the global governance of alcohol. The influence of the industry is seen in trade and investment treaty negotiations, operating through direct and indirect means. Curbing the influence of the industry is vital to improving the treatment of health issues generally and in trade and investment policy particularly. The World Health Organization (WHO) has an opportunity to start to rein in the power of the industry with its current work on drafting an 'action plan' for 2022-2030 to implement the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. The WHO working paper, however, proposes inadequate controls on alcohol industry influence. The WHO proposes 'dialogue' with the industry and allows the industry to take a role with government in public health labelling of alcohol. The public's health will suffer if the WHO does not take a firmer stand against the industry in the 'action plan.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula O’Brien
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Lee K, Freudenberg N. Public Health Roles in Addressing Commercial Determinants of Health. Annu Rev Public Health 2022; 43:375-395. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052220-020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The shared challenges posed by the production and distribution of health-harming products have led to growing recognition of the need for policy learning and transfer across problems, populations, and social contexts. The commercial determinants of health (CDoH) can serve as a unifying concept to describe the population health consequences arising from for-profit actors and activities, along with the social structures that sustain them. Strategies to mitigate harms from CDoH have focused on behavioral change, regulation, fiscal policies, consumer and citizen activism, and litigation. While there is evidence of effective measures for each strategy, approaches that combine strategies are generally more impactful. Filling gaps in evidence can inform ways of adapting these strategies to specific populations and social contexts. Overall, CDoH are addressed most effectively not through siloed efforts to reduce consumption of health-harming products, but instead as a set of integrated strategies to reduce exposures to health-harming commercial actors and activities. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health, Volume 43 is April 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Lee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Nicholas Freudenberg
- School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
The tobacco, alcohol, beverage, processed food, firearms, gambling, fossil fuel and mining industries, inter alia, are implicated in fostering negative commercial determinants of health. They do this by shaping our environments, tastes, knowledge and politics in favour of the unlimited consumption and unencumbered promotion of their deadly and dangerous products. To shift the determinants of health, emphasis should be put on preventing industry actors whose profit lies in harming health from wielding influence over the institutions and actors of global and national governance. The tobacco control experience and the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) provide a unique, comprehensive and fully substantiated guide for how this may be done. Just as the tobacco industry was a pathfinder for other harmful industries in developing tactics for expanding the depth and reach of the market for their deadly products, the WHO FCTC experience is the obvious pathfinder for countering the commercial determinants of health across all sectors and industries. Although they are desirable for countering negative commercial determinants of health, the WHO FCTC's lesson is not that commercially driven epidemics must be tackled with legally binding treaties. Rather, given the challenges to treaty-making, the key lessons are those that show how it is possible to address the harms of other commodities, even in a treaty's absence. What is needed is the national implementation of measures providing for intersectoral governance and protection from industry interference which will then assist in unlocking measures for reducing the supply of and demand for unhealthy commodities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette McHardy
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, 500 First Street NW, Washington DC, 20001, USA
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Glantz SA. Understanding how unhealthy food companies influence advertising restrictions. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003742. [PMID: 34473695 PMCID: PMC8412289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Milsom P, Smith R, Baker P, Walls H. Corporate power and the international trade regime preventing progressive policy action on non-communicable diseases: a realist review. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:493-508. [PMID: 33276385 PMCID: PMC8128013 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transnational tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food corporations use the international trade regime to prevent policy action on non-communicable diseases (NCDs); i.e. to promote policy 'non-decisions'. Understanding policy non-decisions can be assisted by identifying power operating in relevant decision-making spaces, but trade and health research rarely explicitly engages with theories of power. This realist review aimed to synthesize evidence of different forms and mechanisms of power active in trade and health decision-making spaces to understand better why NCD policy non-decisions persist and the implications for future transformative action. We iteratively developed power-based theories explaining how transnational health-harmful commodity corporations (THCCs) utilize the international trade regime to encourage NCD policy non-decisions. To support theory development, we also developed a conceptual framework for analysing power in public health policymaking. We searched six databases and relevant grey literature and extracted, synthesized and mapped the evidence against the proposed theories. One hundred and four studies were included. Findings were presented for three key forms of power. Evidence indicates THCCs attempt to exercise instrumental power by extensive lobbying often via privileged access to trade and health decision-making spaces. When their legitimacy declines, THCCs have attempted to shift decision-making to more favourable international trade legal venues. THCCs benefit from structural power through the institutionalization of their involvement in health and trade agenda-setting processes. In terms of discursive power, THCCs effectively frame trade and health issues in ways that echo and amplify dominant neoliberal ideas. These processes may further entrench the individualization of NCDs, restrict conceivable policy solutions and perpetuate policymaking norms that privilege economic/trade interests over health. This review identifies different forms and mechanisms of power active in trade and health policy spaces that enable THCCs to prevent progressive action on NCDs. It also points to potential strategies for challenging these power dynamics and relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Milsom
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, Kings Cross, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Richard Smith
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Phillip Baker
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Melbourne, Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - Helen Walls
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, Kings Cross, London WC1H 9SH, UK
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Lauber K, Rutter H, Gilmore AB. Big food and the World Health Organization: a qualitative study of industry attempts to influence global-level non-communicable disease policy. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e005216. [PMID: 34117011 PMCID: PMC8202098 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an urgent need for effective action to address the over 10 million annual deaths attributable to unhealthy diets. Food industry interference with policies aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is widely documented at the national level but remains under-researched at the global level. Thus, this study explores how ultra-processed food industry actors have attempted to influence NCD policy at WHO. METHODS A combination of inductive and deductive thematic coding of internal industry documents, academic literature and interviews with key informants from international organisations and global civil society was used to identify action-based strategies ultra-processed food industry actors employ to influence global-level policy. RESULTS Ultra-processed food industry actors have attempted to influence WHO and its policies through three main action-based strategies: coalition management, involvement in policy formulation, and information management. Coalition management includes the creation and use of overt alliances between corporations-business associations-and more covert science-focused and policy-focused intermediaries, the hiring of former WHO staff and attempted co-option of civil society organisations. Industry involvement in policy formulation is operationalised largely through the lobbying of Member States to support industry positions, and business associations gaining access to WHO through formal consultations and hearings. Information management involves funding and disseminating research favourable to commercial interests, and challenging unfavourable evidence. CONCLUSION We provide novel insights into how ultra-processed food industry actors shape global-level NCD policy and identify a clear need to guard against commercial interference to advance NCD policy. In their approach, the political behaviour of multinational food corporations bears similarities to that of the tobacco industry. Increased awareness of, and safeguarding against, commercial interference at the national as well as the global level have the potential to strengthen the crucial work of WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Lauber
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Harry Rutter
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Anna B Gilmore
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Mialon M, Ho M, Carriedo A, Ruskin G, Crosbie E. Beyond nutrition and physical activity: food industry shaping of the very principles of scientific integrity. Global Health 2021; 17:37. [PMID: 33879204 PMCID: PMC8056799 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that food industry actors try to shape science on nutrition and physical activity. But they are also involved in influencing the principles of scientific integrity. Our research objective was to study the extent of that involvement, with a case study of ILSI as a key actor in that space. We conducted a qualitative document analysis, triangulating data from an existing scoping review, publicly available information, internal industry documents, and existing freedom of information requests. RESULTS Food companies have joined forces through ILSI to shape the development of scientific integrity principles. These activities started in 2007, in direct response to the growing criticism of the food industry's funding of research. ILSI first built a niche literature on COI in food science and nutrition at the individual and study levels. Because the literature was scarce on that topic, these publications were used and cited in ILSI's and others' further work on COI, scientific integrity, and PPP, beyond the fields of nutrition and food science. In the past few years, ILSI started to shape the very principles of scientific integrity then and to propose that government agencies, professional associations, non-for-profits, and others, adopt these principles. In the process, ILSI built a reputation in the scientific integrity space. ILSI's work on scientific integrity ignores the risks of accepting corporate funding and fails to provide guidelines to protect from these risks. CONCLUSIONS The activities developed by ILSI on scientific integrity principles are part of a broader set of political practices of industry actors to influence public health policy, research, and practice. It is important to learn about and counter these practices as they risk shaping scientific standards to suit the industry's interests rather than public health ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Mialon
- Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Matthew Ho
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | | | | | - Eric Crosbie
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
- Ozmen Institute for Global Studies, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
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Mialon M, Vandevijvere S, Carriedo-Lutzenkirchen A, Bero L, Gomes F, Petticrew M, McKee M, Stuckler D, Sacks G. Mechanisms for addressing and managing the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034082. [PMID: 32690498 PMCID: PMC7371213 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We identified mechanisms for addressing and/or managing the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice, as well as examples of where these mechanisms have been adopted from across the globe. DESIGN We conducted a scoping review. We conducted searches in five databases on 4 June 2019. Twenty-eight relevant institutions and networks were contacted to identify additional mechanisms and examples. In addition, we identified mechanisms and examples from our collective experience working on the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice. SETTING We identified mechanisms at the national, regional and global levels. RESULTS Thirty-one documents were included in our review. Eight were peer-reviewed scientific articles. Nine discussed mechanisms to address and/or manage the influence of different types of industries; while other documents targeted specific industries. In total, we identified 49 mechanisms for addressing and/or managing the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice, and 43 of these were adopted at the national, regional or global level. We identified four main types of mechanisms: transparency; management of interactions with industry and of conflicts of interest; identification, monitoring and education about the practices of corporations and associated risks to public health; prohibition of interactions with industry. Mechanisms for governments (n=17) and academia (n=13) were most frequently identified, with fewer for the media and civil society. CONCLUSIONS We identified several mechanisms that could help address and/or manage the negative influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice. If adopted and evaluated more widely, many of the mechanisms described in this manuscript could contribute to efforts to prevent and control non-communicable diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION DETAILS The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework on 27 May 2019 (https://osf.io/xc2vp).
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Mialon
- School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | | | | | - Lisa Bero
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fabio Gomes
- Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - Martin McKee
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - David Stuckler
- Dondena Research Centre and Department of Policy Analysis and Public Management, Bocconi University, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Chugh A, Bassi S, Nazar GP, Bhojani U, Alexander C, Lal P, Gupta PC, Arora M. Tobacco Industry Interference Index: Implementation of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3 in India. Asia Pac J Public Health 2020; 32:172-178. [PMID: 32396402 PMCID: PMC7612145 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520917793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In India, there has been no attempt to measure the implementation of World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3, which provides guidelines to address tobacco industry interference (TII). This study draws on a desk review conducted to assess the frequency and severity of TIIs and the government's response, reported between January and December 2017. This study highlights that the government of India does not allow tobacco industry to participate in policy development. However, the industry interferes by collaborating with the government's allied organizations. The tobacco industry has diversified as food industry in India, and directly or indirectly supports various government programs, by investing through their corporate social responsibility schemes. In addition, there are limited legislative measures to allow transparency in adoption of Article 5.3 guidelines across the country. Hence, the findings of this study underscore an exigent need to adopt and implement Article 5.3 at the national level in India.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gaurang P Nazar
- HRIDAY, New Delhi, India
- Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, India
| | - Upendra Bhojani
- Institute of Public Health, Bangalore, India
- Durham University, Durham, UK
| | | | - Pranay Lal
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Monika Arora
- HRIDAY, New Delhi, India
- Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, India
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16
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Fooks GJ, Williams S, Box G, Sacks G. Corporations' use and misuse of evidence to influence health policy: a case study of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation. Global Health 2019; 15:56. [PMID: 31551086 PMCID: PMC6760066 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-019-0495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are a major source of sugar in the diet. Although trends in consumption vary across regions, in many countries, particularly LMICs, their consumption continues to increase. In response, a growing number of governments have introduced a tax on SSBs. SSB manufacturers have opposed such taxes, disputing the role that SSBs play in diet-related diseases and the effectiveness of SSB taxation, and alleging major economic impacts. Given the importance of evidence to effective regulation of products harmful to human health, we scrutinised industry submissions to the South African government’s consultation on a proposed SSB tax and examined their use of evidence. Results Corporate submissions were underpinned by several strategies involving the misrepresentation of evidence. First, references were used in a misleading way, providing false support for key claims. Second, raw data, which represented a pliable, alternative evidence base to peer reviewed studies, was misused to dispute both the premise of targeting sugar for special attention and the impact of SSB taxes on SSB consumption. Third, purposively selected evidence was used in conjunction with other techniques, such as selective quoting from studies and omitting important qualifying information, to promote an alternative evidential narrative to that supported by the weight of peer-reviewed research. Fourth, a range of mutually enforcing techniques that inflated the effects of SSB taxation on jobs, public revenue generation, and gross domestic product, was used to exaggerate the economic impact of the tax. This “hyperbolic accounting” included rounding up figures in original sources, double counting, and skipping steps in economic modelling. Conclusions Our research raises fundamental questions concerning the bona fides of industry information in the context of government efforts to combat diet-related diseases. The beverage industry’s claims against SSB taxation rest on a complex interplay of techniques, that appear to be grounded in evidence, but which do not observe widely accepted approaches to the use of either scientific or economic evidence. These techniques are similar, but not identical, to those used by tobacco companies and highlight the problems of introducing evidence-based policies aimed at managing the market environment for unhealthful commodities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12992-019-0495-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Jonas Fooks
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Simon Williams
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Graham Box
- School of Law, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AH, UK
| | - Gary Sacks
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3125, Australia
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17
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Dobbie F, Mdege N, Davidson F, Siddiqi K, Collin J, Huque R, Owusudabo E, van Walbeek C, Bauld L. Building capacity for applied research to reduce tobacco-related harm in low- and middle-income countries: the Tobacco Control Capacity Programme (TCCP). JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019; 3. [PMID: 33134559 DOI: 10.29392/joghr.3.e2019055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the world. By 2030, more than 80% of these tobacco-related deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of the Tobacco Control Capacity Programme (TCCP) therefore, is to reduce tobacco-related mortality and morbidity by building research capacity in LMICs. Methods A consortium of fifteen partner organisations across eight countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, South Africa, the Gambia, Uganda and the UK) will offer extensive research methods and leadership training opportunities to conduct high quality research projects on policy and practice and establish strong research partnerships. An example of one such study using a mixed method design to investigate tobacco industry interference in Uganda is presented. Results The TCCP programme will produce research that can inform policies and practice within countries to prevent or reduce tobacco use. By conducting research in three key areas (tobacco taxation, reducing illicit trade, and addressing tobacco industry interference, as well as other local priorities) the programme will help to reduce tobacco disease and death and also generate revenue for governments through taxation which aids other development priorities. While conducting research in LMICs on these themes TCCP will provide evidence to support better implementation of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Controls (FCTC), which will result in reductions in tobacco-related mortality and morbidity and also help generate revenue for governments through taxation which aids other development priorities. Conclusion The TCCP programme will create a cohort of skilled early-career researchers and research leaders who will build cohesive and successful research teams in LMICs. It will also create several collaborative networks of researchers, policy-makers and advocates to co-produce context-specific research on tobacco control and its translation into policy. This will advance implementation science in LMICs and improve population health. By generating context-specific evidence, the TCCP will support advocacy efforts to shift attitudes within communities and governments towards a stronger tobacco control. Policy makers will be assisted by the evidence generated in this programme to challenge aggressive tobacco industry tactics and implement effective tobacco control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Dobbie
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK
| | - Noreen Mdege
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Fiona Davidson
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kamran Siddiqi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jeff Collin
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK.,Global Public Health Unit, Social Policy, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rumana Huque
- Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ellis Owusudabo
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Corne van Walbeek
- School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda Bauld
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK
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18
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Chung-Hall J, Craig L, Gravely S, Sansone N, Fong GT. Impact of the WHO FCTC over the first decade: a global evidence review prepared for the Impact Assessment Expert Group. Tob Control 2019; 28:s119-s128. [PMID: 29880598 PMCID: PMC6589489 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present findings of a narrative review on the implementation and effectiveness of 17 Articles of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) during the Treaty's first decade. DATA SOURCES Published reports on global FCTC implementation; searches of four databases through June 2016; hand-search of publications/online resources; tobacco control experts. STUDY SELECTION WHO Convention Secretariat global progress reports (2010, 2012, 2014); 2015 WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic; studies of social, behavioural, health, economic and/or environmental impacts of FCTC policies. DATA EXTRACTION Progress in the implementation of 17 FCTC Articles was categorised (higher/intermediate/lower) by consensus. 128 studies were independently selected by multiple authors in consultation with experts. DATA SYNTHESIS Implementation was highest for smoke-free laws, health warnings and education campaigns, youth access laws, and reporting/information exchange, and lowest for measures to counter industry interference, regulate tobacco product contents, promote alternative livelihoods and protect health/environment. Price/tax increases, comprehensive smoking and marketing bans, health warnings, and cessation treatment are associated with decreased tobacco consumption/health risks and increased quitting. Mass media campaigns and youth access laws prevent smoking initiation, decrease prevalence and promote cessation. There were few studies on the effectiveness of policies in several domains, including measures to prevent industry interference and regulate tobacco product contents. CONCLUSIONS The FCTC has increased the implementation of measures across several policy domains, and these implementations have resulted in measurable impacts on tobacco consumption, prevalence and other outcomes. However, FCTC implementation must be accelerated, and Parties need to meet all their Treaty obligations and consider measures that exceed minimum requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Chung-Hall
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorraine Craig
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shannon Gravely
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Sansone
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey T Fong
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Valente TW, Pitts S, Wipfli H, Vega Yon GG. Network influences on policy implementation: Evidence from a global health treaty. Soc Sci Med 2019; 222:188-197. [PMID: 30739870 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines whether country implementation of a public health treaty is influenced by the implementation behaviors of other countries to which they have network ties. We examine implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) adopted by the World Health Organization in 2003 and ratified by approximately 94% of countries as of 2016. We constructed five networks: (1) geographic distance, (2) general trade, (3) tobacco trade, (4) GLOBALink referrals, and (5) GLOBALink co-subscriptions. Network exposure terms were constructed from these networks based on the implementation scores for six articles of the FCTC treaty. We estimate effects using a lagged Type 1 Tobit model. Results show that network effects were significant: (a) across all networks for article 6 (pricing and taxation), (b) distance, general trade, GL referrals, and GL co-subscriptions for article 8 (second hand smoke), (c) distance, general trade, and GL co-subscriptions for article 11 (packaging and labeling), and (d) distance and GL co-subscription for article 13 (promotion and advertising), (e) tobacco trade and GL co-subscriptions for article 14 (cessation). These results indicate that diffusion effects were more prevalent for pricing and taxation as well as restrictions on smoking in public places and packaging and labeling. These results suggest that network influences are possible in domains that are amenable to control by national governments but unlikely to occur in domains established by existing regulatory systems. Implications for future studies of policy implementation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Valente
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, USA.
| | - Stephanie Pitts
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - Heather Wipfli
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - George G Vega Yon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, USA
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20
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Freudenberg N. Defining Appropriate Roles for Corporations in Public Health Research and Practice. Am J Public Health 2018; 108:1440-1441. [PMID: 30303728 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2018.304714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Freudenberg
- Nicholas Freudenberg is with the Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
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21
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Hawkins B, Holden C. European Union implementation of Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Global Health 2018; 14:79. [PMID: 30071862 PMCID: PMC6090908 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-018-0386-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) requires Parties to the agreement to take proactive measures to protect health policy from the vested interests of the tobacco industry. Parties to the FCTC are required to submit periodic reports to the Convention Secretariat on the efforts undertaken to implement it. Previous analyses of national compliance with the FCTC suggest that Article 5.3 implementation is piecemeal and insufficient in many contexts, with governments relying on general transparency and other existing policies for the purpose of Article 5.3 implementation. No in-depth study of Article 5.3 compliance within the European Union (EU) - a signatory to the Convention - has been undertaken. This study seeks to assess the extent of Article 5.3 compliance in European Union institutions, through an analysis of the mechanisms in place in the European Commission and European Parliament. It analyses EU documents relevant to Article 5.3 compliance, as well as semi-structured interviews with policy actors in the EU institutions and the field of tobacco control. RESULTS As with many national governments, Article 5.3 compliance within EU institutions is partial and incomplete. Much of the compliance activity cited in EU reports is derived from general codes of conduct for EU staff and the Juncker Commission's transparency agenda. Interview respondents reveal widespread lack of knowledge about the existence of the FCTC and Article 5.3 amongst key policy actors across the institutions. Within the Commission policies vary greatly between Directorates General, and issues surrounding the conceptualisation of the role of Members of the European Parliament affect implementation in that context. While there is growing awareness of the issue in both the Commission and the Parliament, in large part as a result of the experience of lobbying over the Tobacco Products Directive, there remains considerable resistance in both institutions to further substantive action to implement Article 5.3. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that a binding and comprehensive policy and code of conduct, specifically designed for the implementation of Article 5.3 and based on the World Health Organization's guidelines, be created to cover the activities of all employees of all EU institutions. Crucially, such guidelines would need to deal explicitly with third parties acting for the tobacco industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Hawkins
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Chris Holden
- Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York, UK
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22
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Lie JLY, Fooks G, de Vries NK, Heijndijk SM, Willemsen MC. Can't see the woods for the trees: exploring the range and connection of tobacco industry argumentation in the 2012 UK standardised packaging consultation. Tob Control 2018; 27:448-454. [PMID: 28743794 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-053707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transnational tobacco company (TTC) submissions to the 2012 UK standardised packaging consultation are studied to examine TTC argumentation in the context of Better Regulation practices. METHODS A content analysis was conducted of Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco submissions to the 2012 UK consultation. Industry arguments concerning expected costs and (contested) benefits of the policy were categorised into themes and frames. The inter-relationship between frames through linked arguments was mapped to analyse central arguments using an argumentation network. RESULTS 173 arguments were identified. Arguments fell into one of five frames: ineffectiveness, negative economic consequences, harm to public health, increased crime or legal ramifications. Arguments highlighted high costs to a wide range of groups, including government, general public and other businesses. Arguments also questioned the public health benefits of standardised packaging and highlighted the potential benefits to undeserving groups. An increase in illicit trade was the most central argument and linked to the greatest variety of arguments. CONCLUSIONS In policy-making systems characterised by mandatory impact assessments and public consultations, the wide range of cost (and contested benefits) based arguments highlights the risk of TTCs overloading policy actors and causing delays in policy adoption. Illicit trade related arguments are central to providing a rationale for these arguments, which include the claim that standardised packaging will increase health risks. The strategic importance of illicit trade arguments to industry argumentation in public consultations underlines the risks of relying on industry data relating to the scale of the illicit trade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gary Fooks
- School for Languages and Social Science, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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23
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Hawkins B, Holden C, Mackinder S. A multi-level, multi-jurisdictional strategy: Transnational tobacco companies' attempts to obstruct tobacco packaging restrictions. Glob Public Health 2018. [PMID: 29521160 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1446997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the extensive literature on the tobacco industry, there has been little attempt to study how transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) coordinate their political activities globally, or to theorise TTC strategies within the context of global governance structures and policy processes. This article draws on three concepts from political science - policy transfer, multi-level governance and venue shifting - to analyse TTCs' integrated, global strategies to oppose augmented packaging requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Following Uruguay's introduction of extended labelling requirements, Australia became the first country in the world to require tobacco products to be sold in standardised ('plain') packaging in 2012. Governments in the European Union, including in the United Kingdom and Ireland, adopted similar laws, with other member states due to follow. TTCs vehemently opposed these measures and developed coordinated, global strategies to oppose their implementation, exploiting the complexity of contemporary global governance arrangements. These included a series of legal challenges in various jurisdictions, alongside political lobbying and public relations campaigns. This article draws on analysis of public documents and 32 semi-structured interviews with key policy actors. It finds that TTCs developed coordinated and highly integrated strategies to oppose packaging restrictions across multiple jurisdictions and levels of governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Hawkins
- a Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Chris Holden
- b Department of Social Policy and Social Work , University of York , York , UK
| | - Sophie Mackinder
- b Department of Social Policy and Social Work , University of York , York , UK
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24
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Filippidis FT, Girvalaki C, Mechili EA, Vardavas CI. Are political views related to smoking and support for tobacco control policies? A survey across 28 European countries. Tob Induc Dis 2017; 15:45. [PMID: 29234245 PMCID: PMC5723047 DOI: 10.1186/s12971-017-0151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General political views are rarely considered when discussing public support for tobacco control policies and tobacco use. The aim of this study was to explore potential associations between political views, smoking and support for tobacco control policies. METHODS We analysed responses from 22,313 individuals aged ≥15 years from 28 European Union (EU) member states, who self-reported their political views (far-left [1-2 on a scale 1-10]; centre-left (3-4); centre (5-6); centre-right (7-8); and far-right (9-10) in wave 82.4 of the Eurobarometer survey in 2014. We ran multi-level logistic regression models to explore associations between political views and smoking, as well as support for tobacco control policies, adjusting for socio-demographic factors. RESULTS Compared to those placing themselves at the political centre, people with far-left political views were more likely to be current smokers (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01-1.26), while those in the centre-right were the least likely to smoke (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76-0.93). Similar associations were found for having ever been a smoker. Respondents on the left side of the political spectrum were more likely to support tobacco control policies and those on the centre-right were less likely to support them, as compared to those at the political centre, after controlling for smoking status. CONCLUSIONS General political views may be associated not only with support for tobacco control policies, but even with smoking behaviours, which should be taken into account when discussing these issues at a population level. Further research is needed to explore the implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos T. Filippidis
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, 310 Reynolds Building, St. Dunstan’s Road, W6 8RP, London, UK
- Center for Health Services Research, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charis Girvalaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Rethimno, Greece
| | | | - Constantine I. Vardavas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Rethimno, Greece
- Institute of Public Health, American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
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