1
|
Denning B, Andrew P, Moffitt P, Broers B. Developing an alcohol strategy for the Northwest Territories: Evaluating global research evidence against rural and remote realities. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:654-663. [PMID: 38935326 PMCID: PMC11303368 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00899-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper outlines the engagement process that was used to develop the Northwest Territories Alcohol Strategy, based on a recommendation by the developers of the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation report, and how this informed the final actions in the strategy. METHODS A literature review, four targeted engagement activities, and iterative validation by advisory groups and community and Indigenous leadership were used to evaluate, modify, or reject the original recommendations and develop the final actions that were included in the NWT Alcohol Strategy. RESULTS There are fourteen original CAPE recommendations, four of which had already been implemented in the Northwest Territories before the development of the strategy. On completion of the process, four recommendations had already been implemented in the NWT. Two recommendations were included in the strategy without changes, two were adapted for use in the strategy, and six were not included. One stand-alone alcohol policy measure was created and included. CONCLUSION Alcohol strategies are dependent on a variety of contextual factors. Developers need to take into consideration the unique geography, political climate, and cultural context of the region for which they are being developed, in order to produce a strategy that is applicable, acceptable, and feasible at the community level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryany Denning
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Department of Health and Social Services, GNWT, Yellowknife, NT, Canada.
| | | | | | - Barbara Broers
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Joyce KM, Davidson M, Manly E, Stewart SH, Al-Hamdani M. A systematic review on the impact of alcohol warning labels. J Addict Dis 2024; 42:170-193. [PMID: 37212771 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2210020] [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] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Findings on the effects of alcohol warning labels (AWLs) as a harm reduction tool have been mixed. This systematic review synthesized extant literature on the impact of AWLs on proxies of alcohol use. PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMED, and MEDLINE databases and reference lists of eligible articles. Following PRISMA guidelines, 1,589 articles published prior to July 2020 were retrieved via database and 45 were via reference lists (961 following duplicate removal). Article titles and abstracts were screened, leaving the full text of 96 for review. The full-text review identified 77 articles meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria which are included here. Risk of bias among included studies was examined using the Evidence Project risk of bias tool. Findings fell into five categories of alcohol use proxies including knowledge/awareness, perceptions, attention, recall/recognition, attitudes/beliefs, and intentions/behavior. Real-world studies highlighted an increase in AWL awareness, alcohol-related risk perceptions (limited findings), and AWL recall/recognition post-AWL implementation; these findings have decreased over time. Conversely, findings from experimental studies were mixed. AWL content/formatting and participant sociodemographic factors also appear to influence the effectiveness of AWLs. Findings suggest conclusions differ based on the study methodology used, favoring real-world versus experimental studies. Future research should consider AWL content/formatting and participant sociodemographic factors as moderators. AWLs appear to be a promising approach for supporting more informed alcohol consumption and should be considered as one component in a comprehensive alcohol control strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Joyce
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Myles Davidson
- Department of Psychology at Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Eden Manly
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Critchlow N. Commentary on Manthey et al.: No more missed opportunities-We need to address the absence of robust and comprehensive evaluations about the real-world impact of statutory restrictions on alcohol marketing. Addiction 2024; 119:812-814. [PMID: 38456593 DOI: 10.1111/add.16471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Critchlow
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clarke N, Ferrar J, Pechey E, Ventsel M, Pilling MA, Munafò MR, Marteau TM, Hollands GJ. Impact of health warning labels and calorie labels on selection and purchasing of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks: A randomized controlled trial. Addiction 2023; 118:2327-2341. [PMID: 37528529 PMCID: PMC10952514 DOI: 10.1111/add.16288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the impact on selection and actual purchasing of (a) health warning labels (text-only and image-and-text) on alcoholic drinks and (b) calorie labels on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. DESIGN Parallel-groups randomised controlled trial. SETTING Drinks were selected in a simulated online supermarket, before being purchased in an actual online supermarket. PARTICIPANTS Adults in England and Wales who regularly consumed and purchased beer or wine online (n = 651). Six hundred and eight participants completed the study and were included in the primary analysis. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized to one of six groups in a between-subjects three [health warning labels (HWLs) (i): image-and-text HWL; (ii) text-only HWL; (iii) no HWL] × 2 (calorie labels: present versus absent) factorial design (n per group 103-113). MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measure was the number of alcohol units selected (with intention to purchase); secondary outcomes included alcohol units purchased and calories selected and purchased. There was no time limit for selection. For purchasing, participants were directed to purchase their drinks immediately (although they were allowed up to 2 weeks to do so). FINDINGS There was no evidence of main effects for either (a) HWLs or (b) calorie labels on the number of alcohol units selected (HWLs: F(2,599) = 0.406, P = 0.666; calorie labels: F(1,599) = 0.002, P = 0.961). There was also no evidence of an interaction between HWLs and calorie labels, and no evidence of an overall difference on any secondary outcomes. In pre-specified subgroup analyses comparing the 'calorie label only' group (n = 101) with the 'no label' group (n = 104) there was no evidence that calorie labels reduced the number of calories selected (unadjusted means: 1913 calories versus 2203, P = 0.643). Among the 75% of participants who went on to purchase drinks, those in the 'calorie label only' group (n = 74) purchased fewer calories than those in the 'no label' group (n = 79) (unadjusted means: 1532 versus 2090, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence that health warning labels reduced the number of alcohol units selected or purchased in an online retail context. There was some evidence suggesting that calorie labels on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks may reduce calories purchased from both types of drinks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Clarke
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- School of SciencesBath Spa UniversityBathUK
| | - Jennifer Ferrar
- School of Psychological Science, Tobacco and Alcohol Research GroupUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Emily Pechey
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Minna Ventsel
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Mark A. Pilling
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Marcus R. Munafò
- School of Psychological Science, Tobacco and Alcohol Research GroupUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Theresa M. Marteau
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Gareth J. Hollands
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- EPPI Centre, UCL Social Research InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Davies EL, Cooke R, de Visser RO, Conroy D. Calling time on responsible drinking: A qualitative study of perceptions of information on alcohol product labels. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 28:320-337. [PMID: 36263853 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore (a) how people interpret responsible drinking messages on alcohol product labels, and (b) the acceptability of including health information on labels. DESIGN Qualitative interviews. METHODS Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 people aged 21-63; 18 were classified risky drinkers using AUDIT-C. They were shown three sets of alcohol product labels: one including three responsible drinking messages (drink responsibly), one with three positively worded health messages (drinking less reduces risks) and one with three negatively worded health messages (drinking more increases risks). Health messages included information about cancer, liver and heart disease. RESULTS Thematic analysis identified three themes: ambiguity about alcohol labelling; identifying oneself as responsible; and acceptability of enhanced product labelling. Participants were critical of responsible drinking messages and wary of conflicting health information in the media. They positioned themselves as responsible, knowledgeable drinkers and distanced themselves from problem drinkers. They did not appear to support the inclusion of health information on labels; however, novel information was considered more impactful. CONCLUSIONS Responsible drinking messages were seen by our sample as an alcohol industry ploy. Although health messages about cancer were seen as potentially impactful, the ability of consumers to position themselves as unproblematic drinkers means that they may not see the information on the label as relevant to themselves. Understanding factors that increase the personal relevance of messages is needed, alongside an exploration of a wider range of methods for alcohol health communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Davies
- Centre for Psychological Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Cooke
- Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Richard O de Visser
- Department of Primary Care & Population Health, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Dominic Conroy
- School of Social Sciences and Professions, London Metropolitan University, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Davies EL, Foxcroft DR, Puljevic C, Ferris JA, Winstock AR. Global comparisons of responses to alcohol health information labels: A cross sectional study of people who drink alcohol from 29 countries. Addict Behav 2022; 131:107330. [PMID: 35504111 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this paper was to explore responses to alcohol health information labels from a cross sectional survey of people who drink alcohol from 29 countries. DESIGN This paper draws on findings from the Global Drug Survey (GDS) - an annual cross sectional online survey. PARTICIPANTS 75,969 (64.3% male) respondents from 29 countries were included in the study. MEASURES Respondents were shown seven health information labels (topics were heart disease, liver, cancer, calories, violence, taking two days off and myth of benefits of moderate drinking). They were asked if the information was new, believable, personally relevant, and if it would change their drinking. A multivariate multilevel Bayesian logistic regression model was used to estimate predicted probabilities for newness, believability, relevance and if messages would change drinking behaviour by country and information label. FINDINGS Predicted probabilities showed substantial variability in responses across countries. Respondents from Colombia, Brazil and Mexico were more likely to consider drinking less as well as have lower levels of previous awareness. Those from Denmark and Switzerland were not as likely to say the labels would make them consider drinking less. The cancer message was consistently the newest and most likely to make people consider drinking less across countries. CONCLUSIONS Country differences in responses to messages can be used to create targeted harm reduction measures as well as inform what should be on labels. The provision of such health information on alcohol product labels may play a role in raising awareness of the risk of drinking. Global comparisons of responses to alcohol health information labels: a cross sectional study of people who drink alcohol from 29 countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Davies
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, UK.
| | - David R Foxcroft
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, UK
| | - Cheneal Puljevic
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason A Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Adam R Winstock
- University College London, UK; Global Drug Survey, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Choate P, Badry D, Bagley K. The Alcohol Industry and Social Responsibility: Links to FASD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137744. [PMID: 35805403 PMCID: PMC9266243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is directly linked to the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Prevention programs have been targeted at women of childbearing age and vulnerable populations. The beverage alcohol industry (manufacture, marketing, distribution, and retail) is often seen as playing a role in prevention strategies such as health warning labels. In this paper we explore the nature of the relationship between the industry and prevention programming. We consider the place of alcohol in society; the prevalence, social and economic costs of FASD; the ethical notion of alcohol-related harm and then move onto the question of public health partnerships with the industry including the potential conflicts of interests and ethical challenges in such partnerships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Choate
- Child Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Dorothy Badry
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Kerryn Bagley
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kokole D, Anderson P, Jané-Llopis E. Nature and Potential Impact of Alcohol Health Warning Labels: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:3065. [PMID: 34578942 PMCID: PMC8469468 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is toxic to human health. In addition to providing nutritional information, labels on alcohol products can be used to communicate warnings on alcohol-related harms to consumers. This scoping review examined novel or enhanced health warning labels to assess the current state of the research and the key studied characteristics of labels, along with their impact on the studied outcomes. Four databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL) were searched between January 2010 and April 2021, and 27 papers were included in the review. The results found that most studies were undertaken in English-speaking populations, with the majority conducted online or in the laboratory setting as opposed to the real world. Seventy percent of the papers included at least one cancer-related message, in most instances referring either to cancer in general or to bowel cancer. Evidence from the only real-world long-term labelling intervention demonstrated that alcohol health warning labels designed to be visible and contain novel and specific information have the potential to be part of an effective labelling strategy. Alcohol health warning labels should be seen as tools to raise awareness on alcohol-related risks, being part of wider alcohol policy approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daša Kokole
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, POB 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (P.A.); (E.J.-L.)
| | - Peter Anderson
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, POB 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (P.A.); (E.J.-L.)
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Eva Jané-Llopis
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, POB 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (P.A.); (E.J.-L.)
- ESADE Business School, University Ramon Llull, Avenida de Pedralbes, 60-62, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, CAMH, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vallance K, Stockwell T, Wettlaufer A, Giesbrecht N, Chow C, Card KG, Farrell-Low A. Strategies for engaging policy stakeholders to translate research knowledge into practice more effectively: Lessons learned from the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:246-255. [PMID: 34046948 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence-based alcohol policies have the potential to reduce a wide range of related harms. Yet, barriers to adoption and implementation within governments often exist. Engaging relevant stakeholders may be an effective way to identify and address potential challenges thereby increasing reach and uptake of policy evaluation research and strengthening jurisdictional responses to alcohol harms. METHODS As part of the 2019 Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project, we conducted interviews with government stakeholders across alcohol-related sectors prior to a second round of researcher-led policy assessments in Canada's 13 provinces and territories. Stakeholders were asked for feedback on the design and impact of an earlier policy assessment in 2013 and for recommendations to improve the design and dissemination strategy for the next iteration. Content analysis was used to identify ways of improving stakeholder engagement. RESULTS We interviewed 25 stakeholders across 12 of Canada's 13 jurisdictions, including representatives from government health ministries and from alcohol regulation, distribution and finance departments. In providing feedback on our stakeholder engagement strategy, participants highlighted the importance of maintaining ongoing contact; presenting results in accessible online formats; providing advance notice of results; and offering jurisdiction-specific webinars. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study offers important insight into the engagement preferences of government stakeholders involved in the health, regulation, distribution and financial aspects of alcohol control policy. Findings suggest that seeking input from stakeholders as part of conducting evaluation research is warranted; increasing the relevance, reach and uptake of results. Specific stakeholder engagement strategies are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Ashley Wettlaufer
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Norman Giesbrecht
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clifton Chow
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Amanda Farrell-Low
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Clarke N, Pechey E, Mantzari E, Blackwell AKM, De-Loyde K, Morris RW, Munafò MR, Marteau TM, Hollands GJ. Impact of health warning labels communicating the risk of cancer on alcohol selection: an online experimental study. Addiction 2021; 116:41-52. [PMID: 32267588 DOI: 10.1111/add.15072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Evidence from tobacco research suggests that health warning labels (HWLs) depicting the adverse consequences of consumption change smoking behaviours, with image-and-text (also known as 'pictorial' or 'graphic') HWLs most effective. There is an absence of evidence concerning the potential impact of HWLs placed on alcohol products on selection of those products. This study aimed to obtain a preliminary assessment of the possible impact of (i) image-and-text, (ii) text-only, and (iii) image-only HWLs on selection of alcoholic versus non-alcoholic drinks. DESIGN A between-subjects randomised experiment with a 2 (image: present versus absent) × 2 (text: present versus absent) factorial design. SETTING The study was conducted on the online survey platform Qualtrics. PARTICIPANTS Participants (n = 6024) were adults over the age of 18 who consumed beer or wine regularly (i.e. at least once a week), recruited through a market research agency. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomised to one of four groups varying in the HWL displayed on the packaging of alcoholic drinks: (i) image-and-text HWL; (ii) text-only HWL; (iii) image-only HWL; and (iv) no HWL. HWLs depicted bowel cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer, which were each displayed twice across six alcoholic drinks. Each group viewed six alcoholic and six non-alcoholic drinks and selected one drink that they would like to consume. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was the proportion of participants selecting an alcoholic versus a non-alcoholic drink. FINDINGS Alcoholic drink selection was lower for all HWL types compared with no HWL (image-and-text: 56%; image-only: 49%; text-only: 61%; no HWL: 77%), with selection lowest for HWLs that included an image. Image-and-text HWLs reduced the odds of selecting an alcoholic drink compared with text-only HWLs (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.92), but increased the odds of selecting an alcoholic drink compared with image-only HWLs (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.55). CONCLUSIONS Health warning labels communicating the increased risk of cancers associated with alcohol consumption reduced selection of alcoholic versus non-alcoholic drinks in a hypothetical choice task in an online setting; labels displaying images had the largest effect. Their impact in laboratory and real-world field settings using physical products awaits investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Clarke
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily Pechey
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eleni Mantzari
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna K M Blackwell
- Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katie De-Loyde
- Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Marcus R Munafò
- Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Theresa M Marteau
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gareth J Hollands
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Neufeld M, Ferreira-Borges C, Rehm J. Implementing Health Warnings on Alcoholic Beverages: On the Leading Role of Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8205. [PMID: 33172090 PMCID: PMC7664423 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite being a psychoactive substance and having a major impact on health, alcohol has to date escaped the required labeling regulations for either psychoactive substances or food. The vast majority of the countries in the WHO European Region have stricter labeling requirements for bottled water and health warning provisions for over-the-counter medications than for alcoholic beverages. However, more progress in implementing health warnings has been made in the eastern part of the WHO European Region, largely because of the recent technical regulation put in place by the newly formed Eurasian Economic Union. The present contribution provides an overview of the existing legislation regarding the placement of alcohol health warnings on advertisements and labels on alcohol containers in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS; Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and discusses their potential gaps and shortfalls. It also reviews the evolution of the Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulation 047/2018, which is, to date, the only international document to impose binding provisions on alcohol labeling. The technical regulation's developmental process demonstrates how the comprehensive messages and strong requirements for health warnings that were suggested initially were watered down during the consultation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Neufeld
- WHO European Office for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Leontyevsky Pereulok 9, 125009 Moscow, Russia; (C.F.-B.); (J.R.)
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, TU Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Carina Ferreira-Borges
- WHO European Office for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Leontyevsky Pereulok 9, 125009 Moscow, Russia; (C.F.-B.); (J.R.)
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- WHO European Office for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Leontyevsky Pereulok 9, 125009 Moscow, Russia; (C.F.-B.); (J.R.)
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Alexander Solzhenitsyn Street 28/1, 109004 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hobin E, Weerasinghe A, Vallance K, Hammond D, McGavock J, Greenfield TK, Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Paradis C, Stockwell T. Testing Alcohol Labels as a Tool to Communicate Cancer Risk to Drinkers: A Real-World Quasi-Experimental Study. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020. [PMID: 32359056 PMCID: PMC7201213 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2020.81.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study tested the initial and continued effects of cancer warning labels on drinkers’ recall and knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer. Method: A quasi-experiment was conducted to examine changes in the intervention versus comparison site for three outcomes: unprompted and prompted recall of the cancer warning, and knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer. The intervention site applied cancer warning labels to alcohol containers in its liquor store for 1 month, and the two liquor stores in the comparison site did not apply cancer labels. In total, 2,049 unique cohort participants (1,056 male) were recruited at liquor stores in the intervention and comparison sites to participate in surveys 4 months before labels were applied and 2 and 6 months after the cancer label was halted because of alcohol industry interference. Generalized estimating equations tested differences in outcomes between sites over time adjusting for socio-demographics and other covariates. Results: Two months after the cancer label, unprompted (+24.2% vs. +0.6%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 32.7, 95% CI [5.4, 197.7]) and prompted (+35.7% vs. +4.1%; AOR = 6.2, 95% CI [3.6, 10.9]) recall increased to a greater extent in the intervention versus comparison site. There was a 10% greater increase in knowledge (+12.1% vs. +11.6%; AOR = 1.1, 95% CI [0.7, 1.5]) 2 months after the cancer label in the intervention versus comparison site. Similar results were found 6 months after the cancer label for all three outcomes. Conclusions: In a real-world setting, cancer warning labels get noticed and increase knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer. Additional cancer label intervention studies are required that are not compromised by industry interference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hobin
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | | | - Catherine Paradis
- Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vallance K, Vincent A, Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Stockwell T, Hammond D, Greenfield TK, McGavock J, Hobin E. News Media and the Influence of the Alcohol Industry: An Analysis of Media Coverage of Alcohol Warning Labels With a Cancer Message in Canada and Ireland. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020. [PMID: 32359058 PMCID: PMC7201216 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2020.81.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Media coverage of alcohol-related policy measures can influence public debate and is often more aligned with interests of the alcohol industry than public health. The purpose of this study was to examine the framing of news coverage of alcohol warning label (AWL) initiatives that included a cancer message on alcohol containers in two different countries. Policy contexts and industry perspectives were also evaluated. METHOD We identified and systematically reviewed news articles published between 2017-2019 covering an AWL academic study in Yukon, Canada, and labeling provisions in a Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in Ireland. Both included a cancer message. News stories were coded for media type and topic slant; inclusion of alcohol industry perspectives was examined using content analysis. RESULTS Overall, 68.4% of media articles covering the Yukon Study (n = 38) and 18.9% covering the Ireland Bill (n = 37) were supportive of AWLs with a cancer message. The majority of articles in both sites presented alcohol industry perspectives (Yukon, 65.8%; Ireland, 86.5%), and industry arguments opposing AWLs were similar across both contexts. In articles with statements from industry representatives, the label message was frequently disputed by distorting or denying the evidence that alcohol causes cancer (n = 33/43). CONCLUSIONS News coverage of AWLs with a cancer message was more supportive in Canada than Ireland, where alcohol industry perspectives were consistently foregrounded. Industry arguments opposing the cancer label bore similarities across contexts, often distorting or denying the evidence. Increasing awareness of industry messaging strategies may generate more critical coverage of industry lobbying activities and increase public support for alcohol policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Nour Schoueri-Mychasiw
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas K Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Erin Hobin
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vallance K, Stockwell T, Zhao J, Shokar S, Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Hammond D, Greenfield TK, McGavock J, Weerasinghe A, Hobin E. Baseline Assessment of Alcohol-Related Knowledge of and Support for Alcohol Warning Labels Among Alcohol Consumers in Northern Canada and Associations With Key Sociodemographic Characteristics. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020. [PMID: 32359055 PMCID: PMC7201212 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2020.81.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence-informed alcohol warning labels (AWLs) are a promising, well-targeted strategy to increase consumer awareness of health risks. We assessed consumers' baseline knowledge of alcohol-related cancer risk, standard drinks, and low-risk drinking guidelines as well as levels of support for AWLs. We further assessed associations with sociodemographic factors. METHOD Forming part of a larger study testing new evidence-informed AWLs in a northern Canadian territory compared with a neighboring territory, baseline surveys were completed among liquor store patrons systematically selected in both sites. Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess outcomes. RESULTS In total, 836 liquor store patrons (47.8% female) completed baseline surveys across both sites. Overall, there was low knowledge of alcohol-related cancer risk (24.5%), limited ability to calculate a standard drink (29.5%), and low knowledge of daily (49.5%) and weekly (48.2%) low-risk drinking guideline limits. There was moderate support for AWLs with a health warning (55.9%) and standard drink information (51.4%), and lower support for low-risk drinking guideline labels (38.7%). No sociodemographic characteristics were associated with cancer knowledge. Identifying as female and having adequate health literacy were associated with support for all three AWLs; high alcohol use was associated with not supporting standard drink (adjusted odds ratio = 0.60, 95% CI [0.40, 0.88]) and low-risk drinking guideline (adjusted odds ratio = 0.57, 95% CI [0.38, 0.87]) labels. CONCLUSIONS Few consumers in this study had key alcohol-related health knowledge; however, there was moderate support for AWLs as a tool to raise awareness. Implementation of information-based interventions such as evidence-informed AWLs with health messages including alcohol-related cancer risk, standard drink information, and national drinking guidelines is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jinhui Zhao
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Simran Shokar
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nour Schoueri-Mychasiw
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas K Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ashini Weerasinghe
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Hobin
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Weerasinghe A, Stockwell T, Vallance K, Hammond D, Greenfield TK, McGavock J, Hobin E. Use as directed: do standard drink labels on alcohol containers help consumers drink (ir)responsibly? Real-world evidence from a quasi-experimental study in Yukon, Canada. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 40:247-257. [PMID: 33078447 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS This paper examines the impact of an alcohol labelling intervention on recall of and support for standard drink (SD) labels, estimating the number of SDs in alcohol containers, and intended and unintended use of SD labels. DESIGN AND METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Canada where labels with a cancer warning, national drinking guidelines and SD information were applied to alcohol containers in the single liquor store in the intervention site, while usual labelling continued in the two liquor stores in the comparison site. Three waves of surveys were conducted in both sites before and at two time-points after the intervention with 2049 cohort participants. Generalised estimating equations were applied to estimate changes in all outcomes. RESULTS Participants in the intervention relative to the comparison site had greater odds of recalling [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.02, 10.71] and supporting SD labels (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.04, 2.12) and lower odds of reporting using SD labels to purchase high strength, low-cost alcohol (AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45, 0.93). Exposure to the labels had negligible effects on accurately estimating the number of SDs (AOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.59, 1.93) and using SD labels to drink within guidelines (AOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.75, 1.46). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Evidence-informed labels increased support for and decreased unintended use of SD labels. Such labels can improve accuracy in estimating the number of SDs in alcohol containers and adherence to drinking guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nour Schoueri-Mychasiw
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ashini Weerasinghe
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | | | - Jonathan McGavock
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Erin Hobin
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Weerasinghe A, Vallance K, Stockwell T, Zhao J, Hammond D, McGavock J, Greenfield TK, Paradis C, Hobin E. Examining the Impact of Alcohol Labels on Awareness and Knowledge of National Drinking Guidelines: A Real-World Study in Yukon, Canada. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020; 81:262-272. [PMID: 32359057 PMCID: PMC7201209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 03/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol labels are one strategy for communicating health information to consumers. This study tested the extent to which consumers recalled alcohol labels with national drinking guidelines and examined the impact of labels on awareness and knowledge of the guidelines. METHOD A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two jurisdictions in northern Canada examining the impact of labels on the following outcomes: unprompted and prompted recall of the drinking guideline label message, awareness of the drinking guidelines, and knowledge of the daily and weekly recommended drink limits. The intervention site applied labels with national drinking guidelines, a cancer warning, and standard drink information to alcohol containers in its liquor store, whereas the comparison site did not apply these labels. In total, 2,049 cohort participants in both sites were recruited to complete surveys before and at two time points after the intervention. Changes in outcomes were examined using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS After the intervention, unprompted and prompted recall of the drinking guideline label message increased more in the intervention versus comparison site (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.8, 95% CI [0.9, 127.6]; AOR = 7.0, 95% CI [3.3, 14.9], respectively). Awareness of the drinking guidelines increased 2.9 times more in the intervention versus comparison site (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI [2.0, 4.3]). In addition, knowledge of the daily and weekly drink limits increased 1.5 and 1.4 times more in the intervention versus comparison site, respectively (daily: AOR = 1.5, 95% CI [1.0, 2.1]; weekly: AOR = 1.4, 95% CI [1.0, 2.0]). CONCLUSIONS Enhanced alcohol labels get noticed and may be an effective population-level strategy for increasing awareness and knowledge of national drinking guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jinhui Zhao
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Thomas K. Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Catherine Paradis
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Hobin
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hobin E, Weerasinghe A, Vallance K, Hammond D, McGavock J, Greenfield TK, Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Paradis C, Stockwell T. Testing Alcohol Labels as a Tool to Communicate Cancer Risk to Drinkers: A Real-World Quasi-Experimental Study. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020; 81:249-261. [PMID: 32359056 PMCID: PMC7201213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study tested the initial and continued effects of cancer warning labels on drinkers' recall and knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer. METHOD A quasi-experiment was conducted to examine changes in the intervention versus comparison site for three outcomes: unprompted and prompted recall of the cancer warning, and knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer. The intervention site applied cancer warning labels to alcohol containers in its liquor store for 1 month, and the two liquor stores in the comparison site did not apply cancer labels. In total, 2,049 unique cohort participants (1,056 male) were recruited at liquor stores in the intervention and comparison sites to participate in surveys 4 months before labels were applied and 2 and 6 months after the cancer label was halted because of alcohol industry interference. Generalized estimating equations tested differences in outcomes between sites over time adjusting for socio-demographics and other covariates. RESULTS Two months after the cancer label, unprompted (+24.2% vs. +0.6%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 32.7, 95% CI [5.4, 197.7]) and prompted (+35.7% vs. +4.1%; AOR = 6.2, 95% CI [3.6, 10.9]) recall increased to a greater extent in the intervention versus comparison site. There was a 10% greater increase in knowledge (+12.1% vs. +11.6%; AOR = 1.1, 95% CI [0.7, 1.5]) 2 months after the cancer label in the intervention versus comparison site. Similar results were found 6 months after the cancer label for all three outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In a real-world setting, cancer warning labels get noticed and increase knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer. Additional cancer label intervention studies are required that are not compromised by industry interference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hobin
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | | | - Catherine Paradis
- Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vallance K, Vincent A, Schoueri-mychasiw N, Stockwell T, Hammond D, Greenfield TK, McGavock J, Hobin E. News Media and the Influence of the Alcohol Industry: An Analysis of Media Coverage of Alcohol Warning Labels With a Cancer Message in Canada and Ireland. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020; 81:273-283. [PMID: 32359058 PMCID: PMC7201216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Media coverage of alcohol-related policy measures can influence public debate and is often more aligned with interests of the alcohol industry than public health. The purpose of this study was to examine the framing of news coverage of alcohol warning label (AWL) initiatives that included a cancer message on alcohol containers in two different countries. Policy contexts and industry perspectives were also evaluated. METHOD We identified and systematically reviewed news articles published between 2017-2019 covering an AWL academic study in Yukon, Canada, and labeling provisions in a Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in Ireland. Both included a cancer message. News stories were coded for media type and topic slant; inclusion of alcohol industry perspectives was examined using content analysis. RESULTS Overall, 68.4% of media articles covering the Yukon Study (n = 38) and 18.9% covering the Ireland Bill (n = 37) were supportive of AWLs with a cancer message. The majority of articles in both sites presented alcohol industry perspectives (Yukon, 65.8%; Ireland, 86.5%), and industry arguments opposing AWLs were similar across both contexts. In articles with statements from industry representatives, the label message was frequently disputed by distorting or denying the evidence that alcohol causes cancer (n = 33/43). CONCLUSIONS News coverage of AWLs with a cancer message was more supportive in Canada than Ireland, where alcohol industry perspectives were consistently foregrounded. Industry arguments opposing the cancer label bore similarities across contexts, often distorting or denying the evidence. Increasing awareness of industry messaging strategies may generate more critical coverage of industry lobbying activities and increase public support for alcohol policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Nour Schoueri-mychasiw
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas K. Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Erin Hobin
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hobin E, Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Weerasinghe A, Vallance K, Hammond D, Greenfield TK, McGavock J, Paradis C, Stockwell T. Effects of strengthening alcohol labels on attention, message processing, and perceived effectiveness: A quasi-experimental study in Yukon, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 77:102666. [PMID: 32171107 PMCID: PMC7224201 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol labels are one strategy for raising consumer awareness about the negative consequences of alcohol, but evidence to inform labels is limited. This quasi-experimental study sought to test the real-world impact of strengthening health messages on alcohol container labels on consumer attention, message processing (reading, thinking, and talking with others about labels), and self-reported drinking. Alcohol labels with a cancer warning, national drinking guidelines, and standard drink information were implemented in the intervention site, and usual labelling practices continued in the comparison site. Changes in key indicators of label effectiveness were assessed among a cohort of adult drinkers in both the intervention and comparison sites using three waves of surveys conducted before and at two time-points after the alcohol label intervention. Generalized Estimating Equations with difference-in-difference terms were used to examine the impact of the label intervention on changes in outcomes. Strengthening health messages on alcohol container labels significantly increased consumer attention to [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=17.2, 95%CI:8.2,36.2] and processing of labels (e.g., reading labels: AOR=2.6, 95%CI:1.8,3.7), and consumer reports of drinking less due to the labels (AOR=3.7, 95%CI: 2.0,7.0). Strengthening health messages on alcohol containers can achieve their goal of attracting attention, deepening engagement, and enhancing motivation to reduce alcohol use. Strengthening alcohol labelling policies should be a priority for alcohol control globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hobin
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, 480 University Ave, Suite 300, Toronto M5G 1V2, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nour Schoueri-Mychasiw
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, 480 University Ave, Suite 300, Toronto M5G 1V2, ON, Canada
| | - Ashini Weerasinghe
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, 480 University Ave, Suite 300, Toronto M5G 1V2, ON, Canada
| | - Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas K Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Catherine Paradis
- Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Weerasinghe A, Schoueri-Mychasiw N, Vallance K, Stockwell T, Hammond D, McGavock J, Greenfield TK, Paradis C, Hobin E. Improving Knowledge that Alcohol Can Cause Cancer is Associated with Consumer Support for Alcohol Policies: Findings from a Real-World Alcohol Labelling Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E398. [PMID: 31936173 PMCID: PMC7014334 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer is low in Canada. Alcohol labels are one strategy for communicating alcohol-related harms, including cancer. Extending existing research observing an association between knowledge of the alcohol-cancer link and support for alcohol policies, this study examined whether increases in individual-level knowledge that alcohol is a carcinogen following an alcohol labelling intervention are associated with support for alcohol polices. Cancer warning labels were applied to alcohol containers at the intervention site, and the comparison site did not apply cancer labels. Pre-post surveys were conducted among liquor store patrons at both sites before and two-and six-months after the intervention was stopped due to alcohol industry interference. Limiting the data to participants that completed surveys both before and two-months after the cancer label stopped, logistic regression was used to examine the association between increases in knowledge and support for policies. Support for pricing and availability policies was low overall; however, increases in individual-level knowledge of the alcohol-cancer link was associated with higher levels of support for pricing policies, specifically, setting a minimum unit price per standard drink of alcohol (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11-3.12). Improving knowledge that alcohol can cause cancer using labels may increase support for alcohol policies. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/16320.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kate Vallance
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 2Y2, Canada; (K.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 2Y2, Canada; (K.V.); (T.S.)
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Jonathan McGavock
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada;
| | | | - Catherine Paradis
- Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7, Canada;
| | - Erin Hobin
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 1V2, Canada; (A.W.); (N.S.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|