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Giesbrecht N, Reisdorfer E, Shield K. The impacts of alcohol marketing and advertising, and the alcohol industry's views on marketing regulations: Systematic reviews of systematic reviews. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:1402-1425. [PMID: 38803126 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13881] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
ISSUES Advertising and marketing affect alcohol use; however, no single systematic review has covered all aspects of how they affect alcohol use, and how the alcohol industry views alcohol marketing restrictions. APPROACH Two systematic reviews of reviews were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items on 2 February 2023. Results were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach. KEY FINDINGS Twenty-three reviews were included in the systematic reviews. The first systematic review examined youth and adolescents (11 reviews), digital or internet marketing (3 reviews), alcohol marketing's impact on cognition (3 reviews), and alcohol marketing and policy options (2 reviews). The second systematic review focused on alcohol industry (i.e., importers, producers, distributors, retailers and advertising firms) response to advertising restrictions (four reviews). The reviews indicated that there is evidence that alcohol marketing (including digital marketing) is associated with increased intentions to drink, levels of consumption and harmful drinking among youth and young adults. Studies on cognition indicate that advertisements focusing on appealing contexts and outcomes may be more readily accepted by adolescents, and may be less easily extinguished in this population. The review of the alcohol industry found a strong desire to self-regulate alcohol advertising. IMPLICATIONS We found alcohol advertising and marketing is associated with increased drinking intentions, consumption and harmful drinking. Thus, policies which restrict advertising may be an effective way to reduce alcohol use. CONCLUSION More research is needed to assess all aspects of the observed associations, especially as to how marketing policies impact women and people with alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Giesbrecht
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Kevin Shield
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Lesch M, Golder S, McCambridge J. Corporate social responsibility, policy framing and strategic marketing: understanding the alcohol industry's use of social media in Uganda. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:31. [PMID: 38902800 PMCID: PMC11188496 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00611-z] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa is important to the future of alcohol and global health because the alcohol market there is expanding rapidly in a relatively young population. This entails a corresponding contest about whether the policy measures adopted will be shaped by scientific evidence or by industry interference in alcohol policy. This study examines how alcohol industry actors use social media. METHODS Uganda was selected for study because of high levels of alcohol harm and recent alcohol policy debates. Data on the X (formerly Twitter) activity of the Ugandan companies of AB InBev and Diageo, who are the two main brewers, and the trade association including both, were collected, coded and thematically analysed. RESULTS X is used overwhelmingly by alcohol industry actors in Uganda to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) and alcohol policy framing content. There is little direct product marketing. The framing of policy problems and solutions, and of the actors involved in policymaking and CSR resembles that used elsewhere in the political strategies of the transnational alcohol corporations. Content which appears more emphasised in Uganda includes material on farmers, illicit trade and contribution to the economy. As elsewhere, it avoids giving attention to the policy measures which would make a difference to the levels of alcohol harms endured by Uganda. Rhetorically, X is thus used to create a parallel universe, in which the actual harms and what is known about how to reduce them are conspicuous by their absence. CONCLUSIONS The alcohol industry presents itself as indispensable to Uganda's future and appears to have developed relationships with politicians, partnerships with government, and built a coalition with farmers. This means the alcohol industry may be well positioned to oppose public health policy measures, even though their arguments lack substance and are at odds with the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lesch
- Department of Politics and International Relations, Derwent College, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Su Golder
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jim McCambridge
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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McCambridge J, Lesch M. Are we moving into a new era for alcohol policy globally? An analysis of the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-30. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014246. [PMID: 38388164 PMCID: PMC10895216 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014246] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-30 (GAAP) represents an important milestone in policy implementation at the global level on alcohol and health. There has, however, been little attention paid to the GAAP in the research literature. With a focus on the alcohol industry, this analysis examines the content of, and prospects for, the GAAP. It is clear why stronger action on alcohol and health is needed. The health harming nature of alcohol and policy interference by industry are now clearly understood. The alcohol industry is now thus regarded primarily as a key part of the problem. The GAAP calls for action in six areas with specific roles for public health actors, and invites powerful industry actors to desist from harmful activities, within each area. The broad outline of what is expected of the alcohol industry is now clear. It remains unclear, however, how far countries will continue to face formidable opposition from the major alcohol companies and their surrogates, in adopting and implementing evidence-based measures. Governments must now act at speed, and it is unclear if the targets set for 2030 will be met. If this long-running public health policy failure continues, this will have dire consequences for low and middle income countries where the alcohol market is expanding. Stronger actions may also be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Lesch
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
- Department of Politics and International Relations, University of York, York, UK
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Huckle T, Casswell S. Alcohol corporations and the metaverse: Threats to public health? Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:9-12. [PMID: 36308400 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taisia Huckle
- SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Casswell
- SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Maani N, CI van Schalkwyk M, Petticrew M. Under the influence: system-level effects of alcohol industry-funded health information organizations. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad167. [PMID: 38097395 PMCID: PMC10721437 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is now an established body of evidence that the alcohol industry seeks to obstruct public health policies that could affect the availability, affordability or marketing of alcohol. In parallel, the alcohol industry is active in funding corporate social responsibility initiatives, with a particular focus on 'responsible drinking' campaigns, often facilitated by national-level charities established and/or funded by the alcohol industry and associated organizations. While evidence continues to grow regarding biases in the content produced by such health information organizations, they remain active in partnerships with government health departments on national health promotion campaigns and provide a range of health-related information to the public, community organizations and schools. To understand the implications of such access for policymakers, researchers and the public, there is a need to consider the wider, system-level influences of such organizations and their place in wider alcohol industry strategies. In this article, we describe evolving evidence of the direct and indirect strategic effects of such organizations and demonstrate how they serve key roles in the alcohol industry through their existence, content, partnerships and public profiles. We end by considering the implications for how we conceptualize charities established or funded (entirely or partly) by harmful commodity industries, and to what extent current conflicts of interest guidelines are sufficiently effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nason Maani
- Global Health Policy Unit, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, 15a George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, UK
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - May CI van Schalkwyk
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
- UK PRP SPECTRUM Consortium, Usher Institute, Old Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
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Adams J, Asiasiga L, Neville S. The alcohol industry-A commercial determinant of poor health for Rainbow communities. Health Promot J Austr 2023; 34:903-909. [PMID: 36103136 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.665] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use is an area of challenge for health promotion internationally. The alcohol industry operates as a key commercial determinant of health in that its actions contribute to alcohol misuse, resulting in a range of health and social harms to individuals, families and communities. Rainbow people (including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or gender diverse) are one group experiencing considerable harm from alcohol use. METHODS Data from 24 focus groups involving 131 people held in six cities in New Zealand during 2018, were used to explore local understandings of the ways in which the alcohol industry operates as a commercial determinant of health for Rainbow communities. The focus group discussions were analysed thematically. RESULTS Three key themes were identified. First, the alcohol industry was identified as present in the 'everyday', through targeted alcohol promotion to Rainbow people, and due to the centrality of bars to their social and cultural landscapes. Second, participants recognised the benefits of alcohol industry support for Rainbow communities. Last, an opposing view was articulated, with the alcohol industry and its commercial activities viewed negatively. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight that alcohol as a commodity and the alcohol industry are successfully and firmly embedded within Rainbow communities. Overall, given alcohol is widely regarded in a positive way, this is likely to create difficulties for health promotion efforts to reduce alcohol related harm in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery Adams
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lanuola Asiasiga
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Neville
- Department of Nursing, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Bartlett A, Lesch M, Golder S, McCambridge J. Alcohol policy framing in South Africa during the early stages of COVID-19: using extraordinary times to make an argument for a new normal. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1877. [PMID: 37770857 PMCID: PMC10537160 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16512-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Public health and alcohol industry actors compete to frame alcohol policy problems and solutions. Little is known about how sudden shifts in the political context provide moments for policy actors to re-frame alcohol-related issues. South Africa's temporary bans on alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic offered an opportunity to study this phenomenon. METHODS We identified Professor Charles Parry from the South African Medical Research Council as a key policy actor. Parry uses a Twitter account primarily to comment on alcohol-related issues in South Africa. We harvested his tweets posted from March 18 to August 31, 2020, coinciding with the first two alcohol sales bans. We conducted a thematic analysis of the tweets to understand how Parry framed alcohol policy evidence and issues during these 'extraordinary times.' RESULTS Parry underlined the extent of alcohol-related harm during 'normal times' with scientific evidence and contested industry actors' efforts to re-frame relevant evidence in a coherent and well-constructed argument. Parry used the temporary sales restrictions to highlight the magnitude of the health and social harms resulting from alcohol consumption, particularly trauma, rather than the COVID-19 transmission risks. Parry portrayed the sales ban as a policy learning opportunity (or 'experiment') for South Africa and beyond. CONCLUSIONS Crisis conditions can provide new openings for public health (and industry) actors to make salient particular features of alcohol and alcohol policy evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bartlett
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, England.
| | - Matthew Lesch
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Su Golder
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Jim McCambridge
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, England
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Helou V, Mouzahem F, Makarem A, Noureldine HA, El-Khoury R, Al Oweini D, Halak R, Hneiny L, Khabsa J, Akl EA. Conflict of interest and funding in health communication on social media: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072258. [PMID: 37580091 PMCID: PMC10432670 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To synthesise the available evidence on the reporting of conflicts of interest (COI) by individuals posting health messages on social media, and on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (OVID) (2005-March 2022), Embase (2005-March 2022) and Google Scholar (2005-August 2022), supplemented with a review of reference lists and forward citation tracking. DESIGN Reviewers selected eligible studies and abstracted data in duplicate and independently. We appraised the quality of the included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We summarised the results in both narrative and tabular formats. We followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist for reporting our study. RESULTS Of a total of 16 645 retrieved citations, we included 17 eligible studies. The frequency of reporting of conflicts of interest varied between 0% and 60%, but it was mostly low. In addition, a significant proportion, ranging between 15% and 80%, of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry. However, three studies assessed the proportion of conflicts of interest of physicians identified through Open Payment Database but not reported by the authors. It was found that 98.7-100% of these relationships with industry are not reported when communicating health-related information. Also, two studies showed that there is evidence of a potential association between COI and the content of posting. No data was found on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media. CONCLUSIONS While a significant proportion of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry, lack of reporting on COI and undisclosed COI are common. We did not find studies on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5jyl8jj4rg2w/v1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Helou
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Mouzahem
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Adham Makarem
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hussein A Noureldine
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rayane El-Khoury
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dana Al Oweini
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Razan Halak
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Layal Hneiny
- Saab Medical Library, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Wegner Health Sciences Library, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Joanne Khabsa
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Bartlett A, Garry J, McCambridge J. From the tobacco industry's uses of science for public relations purposes to the alcohol industry: Tobacco industry documents study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1269-1277. [PMID: 36933895 PMCID: PMC10947438 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Associates for Research in Substances of Enjoyment (ARISE) was formed by tobacco companies in the late 1980s designed to counter public health policy development. This study examines the alcohol content of ARISE and the contribution of ARISE to alcohol industry activities in a key period in the globalisation of the alcohol industry, generating insights into the inter-relationships between the tobacco and alcohol industries in their involvements in policy-oriented science. METHODS We systematically searched the UCSF Truth Tobacco Documents Library for information about ARISE, alcohol and the alcohol industry. This material was supplemented with an analysis of the contributions by ARISE associates to one volume in the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) book series on alcohol and pleasure. RESULTS ARISE placed nicotine alongside caffeine, chocolate and other foods, and alcohol as treats which brought pleasure and other benefits. Alcohol was thus intrinsic to the ARISE project for the tobacco industry. This study shows that at a formative moment in the mid-1990s the major alcohol companies took advantage of the intellectual inheritance and personnel provided by the tobacco industry when establishing ICAP. Key to this was an ICAP conference that resulted in Alcohol and pleasure: A health perspective (1999). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Not only did ARISE use alcohol to play a supporting role in a sophisticated tobacco industry strategy, the alcohol industry engaged with ARISE as part of its own strategy. This shows the importance of careful attention to corporate activities on the fringes of peer-reviewed science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bartlett
- Department of Health SciencesSeebohm Rowntree Building, University of YorkYorkUK
| | - Jack Garry
- Department of Health SciencesSeebohm Rowntree Building, University of YorkYorkUK
| | - Jim McCambridge
- Department of Health SciencesSeebohm Rowntree Building, University of YorkYorkUK
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Lesch M, McCambridge J. Evolution of the major alcohol companies key global policy vehicle through the prism of tax records 2011-19. Global Health 2023; 19:34. [PMID: 37226209 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00933-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Important insights have been generated into the nature of the activities of the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP). Its successor, the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) is less well understood. This study aims to rectify evidence limitations on the political activities of the alcohol industry at the global level. METHODS Internal Revenue Service filings were examined for ICAP and IARD each year between 2011 and 2019. Data were triangulated with other sources to establish what could be gleaned on the internal workings of these organisations. RESULTS The stated purposes of ICAP and IARD are near identical. The main declared activities were similar for both organisations and comprised public affairs/policy, corporate social responsibility, science/research and communications. Both organisations work extensively with external actors and it has become possible more recently to identify the main contractors supplying services to IARD. DISCUSSION This study sheds light on the political activities of the alcohol industry at the global level. It suggests that the evolution of ICAP into IARD has not been accompanied by shifts in the organisation and activities of the collaborative efforts of the major alcohol companies. CONCLUSION Alcohol and global health research and policy agendas should give careful attention to the sophisticated nature of industry political activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lesch
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences Area 4, A/TB/212, University of York, Seebohm Rowntree Building, Heslington, YO10 5DD, York, UK.
| | - Jim McCambridge
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences Area 4, A/TB/212, University of York, Seebohm Rowntree Building, Heslington, YO10 5DD, York, UK
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Wolfson L, Poole N. Supportive alcohol policy as a key element of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder prevention. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231151838. [PMID: 36718116 PMCID: PMC9893348 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231151838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In Canada, a Four-Part Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention has been developed that describes a continuum of multi-sectoral efforts, including broad awareness campaigns, safe and respectful conversations around pregnancy and alcohol use, and holistic and wraparound support services for pregnant and postpartum women with alcohol, and other health and social concerns. Supportive alcohol policy is at the centre of the four mutually reinforcing levels of prevention. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe alcohol policies related to specific levels of FASD prevention, and to consider the implications of alcohol policies on FASD prevention and women's and fetal health. The majority of the evidence focused on alcohol in pregnancy guidelines, alcohol warning labels, and knowledge and uptake of national or regional alcohol and pregnancy guidelines. Several US studies described shifts in alcohol and pregnancy policy over the 7-year period, including moves to punitive approaches that criminalize women's substance use or prompt child apprehension. This review indicates that more attention could be paid to the role of alcohol policy in FASD prevention and in promoting women's and fetal health, and that policy actions and advocacy could be important catalysts for both FASD prevention and women's health promotion. Moving forward, it is essential that alcohol policies are rooted in evidence; attend to and promote women's health including health during pregnancy; and are collaborative in order to prompt a higher standard of care, and more holistically respond to the factors that contribute to women's alcohol use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Wolfson
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Canada FASD Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Lindsay Wolfson, Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, E209-4500 Oak Street Box 48, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada.
| | - Nancy Poole
- Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Canada FASD Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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12
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A qualitative framing analysis of how firearm manufacturers and related bodies communicate to the public on gun-related harms and solutions. Prev Med 2023; 166:107346. [PMID: 36427567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing understanding that the producers and sellers of harmful products directly and indirectly affect population health and policy, including through seeking to influence public understanding about the nature of harms and their solutions. However, the firearm industry and related organisations have not to date been the subject of this type of enquiry. This study sought to address this evidential gap through examining the ways in which the firearm industry and industry-associated organisations frame firearms, firearm-related harms and possible solutions to gun violence. This was a thematic qualitative documentary analysis of materials from 7 of the largest firearm manufacturers and associated organisations. Two authors independently extracted textual material from web articles, press releases, annual reports and shareholder communications between 1st April 2019 to 1st April 2020 (302 documents). A hybrid approach combining both deductive and inductive coding was adopted, guided by the literature on the commercial determinants of health and using NVivo version 12. The firearm industry and firearm industry-funded organisations use framings about the safety and role of guns, evidence on associated harms and solutions that align with the industry's business interests, consistent with evidence on other harmful product manufacturers. This study identified framing strategies employed by the firearm industry and related organisations. These included attempts to undermine evidence, linking regulation to a dystopian future, minimising some of the most common harms, placing the responsibility for harms on individuals, and attempting to foster a heightened sense of risk to personal safety.
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13
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Walls H, Hawkins B, Durrance-Bagale A. Local Government Stakeholder Perceptions of Legitimacy and Conflict of Interest: The Alcohol Industry and the "Drink Free Days" Campaign in England. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:1505-1513. [PMID: 34273924 PMCID: PMC9808329 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Industry involvement in alcohol policy is highly contentious. The Drink Free Days (DFD) campaign (2018- 2019) run by Public Health England (PHE), an executive agency of government, and Drinkaware, an industry-funded 'alcohol education charity' to encourage middle-aged drinkers to abstain from drinking on some days was criticised for perceived industry involvement. We examine the extent to which the DFD campaign was supported by local-authority Directors of Public Health (DPHs) in England - which have a statutory remit for promoting population health within their locality - and their reasons for this. METHODS Our mixed-methods approach included a stakeholder mapping, online survey, and semi-structured interviews. The stakeholder mapping provided the basis for sampling survey and interview respondents. In total, 25 respondents completed the survey, and we conducted 21 interviews with DPHs and their local authority (LA) representatives. We examined survey responses, and coded free-text survey and interview responses to identify key themes. RESULTS While some respondents supported the DFD campaign, others did not promote it, or actively opposed it, due mainly to concerns about conflicts of interest and the legitimacy of industry involvement in the campaign. These were considered to undermine PHE's independence and deflect attention from more important, evidence-based policy interventions such as alcohol pricing while conferring vicarious credibility on Drinkaware. We also found low levels of knowledge about alcohol-related harm, the effectiveness of different policies to address these and the policy-influencing strategies used by the alcohol industry. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the dangers of industry partnership and potential conflicts of interest for government agencies and the ineffectiveness of the campaigns they run at local and national levels. They demonstrate the need for caution in engaging with industry-associated bodies at all levels of government and are thus of potential relevance to studies of other health-harming industries and policy contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Walls
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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van Schalkwyk MCI, Petticrew M, Maani N, Hawkins B, Bonell C, Katikireddi SV, Knai C. Distilling the curriculum: An analysis of alcohol industry-funded school-based youth education programmes. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0259560. [PMID: 35020741 PMCID: PMC8754310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM For decades, corporations such as the tobacco and fossil fuel industries have used youth education programmes and schools to disseminate discourses, ideas and values favourable to their positions, and to pre-empt regulation that threatens profits. However, there is no systematic research into alcohol industry-funded youth education programmes. This article serves to address this important gap in the literature. METHODS Using a discourse theoretical approach informed by poststructural discourse theory and critical discourse analysis, we analysed teaching materials from three school-based youth education initiatives which focus on alcohol consumption and health harms: Drinkaware for Education, The Smashed Project (funded by Diageo), and Talk About Alcohol (Alcohol Education Trust). These materials, some of which are disseminated internationally, are provided to schools through intermediary bodies in receipt of alcohol industry funding. FINDINGS The analysis found that these materials drew from and presented discourses of personal responsibility, moderate alcohol consumption, and involved a narrowing of the problem definition and causes. The locus of the problem is located by the discourses within individuals including youth, with causes of youth alcohol consumption repeatedly presented as peer pressure and 'poor choices', with little or no mention of alcohol industry marketing or other practices. All programmes promoted familiarisation and normalisation of alcohol as a 'normal' adult consumer product which children must learn about and master how to use responsibly when older. The discourses constructed in these materials closely align with those of other alcohol industry corporate social responsibility discourses which employ selective presentation of harms, including misinformation about cancer, and ambiguous terms such as "responsible drinking". Furthermore, the role of alcohol price, availability and access, and the impacts of alcohol and the industry on inequities were not articulated within the discourses. The research was limited to an analysis of teaching materials and further research is needed to explore their impact on youth, teachers and wider discourses and social norms. CONCLUSION Alcohol industry-sponsored youth education programmes serve industry interests and promote moderate consumption while purportedly educating children about harms and influences of alcohol use. There are considerable conflicts of interest in the delivery of alcohol education programmes funded by the alcohol industry and intermediary bodies in receipt of such funding. Alcohol education materials should be developed independent from industry, including funding, and should empower children and young people to understand and think critically about alcohol, including harms and drivers of consumption, and effective interventions needed to protect them and others from alcohol-related harms. Independent organisations can use this analysis to critique their materials to strengthen alignment with meeting student and public health interests. The ongoing exposure of children and young people to such conflicted and misleading materials needs urgent attention from policymakers, practitioners, teachers and parents, and resources dependent on industry support should cease being used in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- May C. I. van Schalkwyk
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- SPECTRUM Consortium (Shaping Public Health Policies to Reduce Inequalities and Harm), London, United Kingdom
| | - Nason Maani
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- SPECTRUM Consortium (Shaping Public Health Policies to Reduce Inequalities and Harm), London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Hawkins
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bonell
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Cécile Knai
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- SPECTRUM Consortium (Shaping Public Health Policies to Reduce Inequalities and Harm), London, United Kingdom
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15
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Schölin L, Heenan M. "No Alcohol, No Risk. #FASD"- Twitter Activity on Alcohol and Pregnancy among Australian Organizations. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:2021-2030. [PMID: 36259782 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2083170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Research has suggested that information communicated by public health and industry-funded organizations differ, as organizations linked to industry have tended to downplay risks with alcohol more broadly and pregnancy specifically. There is limited knowledge of how alcohol use in pregnancy and associated risks are communicated on social media in Australia. This study set out to describe communication of health risks associated with alcohol use during pregnancy on Twitter by Australian-based organizations and stakeholders. Methods: We searched for "alcohol" and "pregnancy", "pregnant", or "FASD" on Twitter accounts belonging to potentially relevant organizations, of which 17 had tweeted on the topic. Content analysis was undertaken on all tweets and summarized under eight themes. Results: A total of 347 tweets were identified, posted between 2010 and 2019 mainly by public health and disability nongovernmental organizations. Tweets generally focused on FASD, but other potential consequences of maternal alcohol use were infrequently mentioned and tended to be generic. We found infrequent mentions of direct advice around alcohol use during pregnancy and official guidelines. Overall, tweets reflected ongoing policy debates in Australia - including alcohol warning labeling, disability policy and increased activity was seen particularly before the second parliamentary inquiry into FASD. Conclusions: The limited number of tweets from relevant organizations over a nine-year period suggests focus has been on FASD while less discussion of alcohol use during pregnancy was evident. We identified an opportunity for more and consistent communication of trusted national health guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schölin
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maddie Heenan
- The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, Australia
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16
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How food companies use social media to influence policy debates: a framework of Australian ultra-processed food industry Twitter data. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:3124-3135. [PMID: 33222709 PMCID: PMC9884788 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020003353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand if, and how, Australian ultra-processed food industry actors use Twitter to influence food and health policy debates and produce a conceptual framework to describe such influence. DESIGN Twitter data of prominent industry actors were defined through purposive sampling and inductively coded to investigate possible influence on food and health policy debates. These are described using descriptive statistics and coded extracts. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Twitter accounts of nine prominent ultra-processed food industry actors, including major trade associations. RESULTS Ultra-processed food industry actors actively used Twitter to influence food and health policy debates. Seven overarching strategies were identified: co-opting public health narratives; opposing regulation; supporting voluntary, co- or self-regulation; engaging policy processes and decision-makers; linking regulatory environments to the need for ongoing profitability; affecting public perceptions and value judgements; and using ignorance claims to distort policy narratives. Each lobbying strategy is underpinned with tactics described throughout and captured in a framework. CONCLUSIONS The current study creates a framework to monitor how food industry actors can use social media to influence food and health policy debates. As such, social media appears to be not only an important commercial determinant of health for brand marketing, but also an extension of lobbying practices to reshape public perceptions of corporate conduct and policy-making.
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17
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Mitchell G, McCambridge J. Recruitment, risks, rewards and regrets: Senior researcher reflections on working with alcohol industry social aspects organisations. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:27-35. [PMID: 34170047 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A growing body of literature suggests alcohol industry corporate social responsibility activity, including the creation of 'social aspects' organisations (SAO), may harm rather than improve public health. We aimed to explore established researcher experiences of working with SAOs, and the factors informing their decisions to do so. METHODS Qualitative interview study with senior alcohol researchers who had previous or ongoing connections to SAOs or their predecessors initiated when their careers were established (n = 16). Thematic analysis using NVivo software. RESULTS Established researchers were recruited for their expertise by alcohol industry SAOs via employees who were previously academics or via academic colleagues with SAO connections. Motivated by the desire to improve public health and 'reach out' beyond academia, researchers were confident that they could maintain their independence when sharing their expertise with SAOs. Short-term connections included attendance at SAO-funded events and book chapter contributions. Sometimes, these led to long-term relationships with SAOs, or researchers were invited to long-term roles by a colleague. These included memberships of scientific advisory committees, board positions, or work as independent consultants. Most researchers reflected negatively on their experiences and had ended their associations, while some had positive experiences. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Current and former researchers play key roles in initiating connections with SAOs, with industry-funded events and invitations to long-term roles by trusted colleagues, mechanisms used to facilitate the development of such relationships. Our study adds to existing evidence that SAO scientific activity does not contribute to public health goals, but does present industry with public relations opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Mitchell
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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18
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Hawkins B, Durrance-Bagale A, Walls H. Co-regulation and alcohol industry political strategy: A case study of the Public Health England-Drinkaware Drink Free Days Campaign. Soc Sci Med 2021; 285:114175. [PMID: 34388623 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This article examines the Drink Free Days (DFD) campaign run by Public Health England and the industry funded alcohol education charity, Drinkaware, in eight English regions in 2018-2019. More specifically, it examines uses, and usefulness, of the campaign to the alcohol producers which fund Drinkaware. It draws on 36 semi-structured interviews with policy actors and a framing analysis of industry social media accounts and news coverage of the campaign. Industry-associated bodies such as Drinkaware have been identified as key components of alcohol industry strategies to influence policy and shape the regulatory contexts in which they operate in three ways. First, funding such bodies forms part of corporate social responsibility programmes which allow companies to position themselves as legitimate policy actors and 'part of the solution' to alcohol related harms. Second, reliance on industry funding incentivises governments to co-operate with industry actors and provides leverage in policy debates. Third, their programmes absorb policy bandwidth and deflect from more effective, evidence based interventions (e.g. on pricing and advertising) which affect industry sales and profits. This is particularly effective if the perception of independence from the industry is created. The analysis presented below suggests that the DFD was not used explicitly by the industry actors for public relations purposes. However, it was useful to their broader strategic aims. It reinforced the position of Drinkaware as a key policy actor and promoted the particular, industry-favoured understanding of alcohol harms and their solutions which it promotes. This is in keeping with the previous insights from international research literature on corporate political activity in health harming industries which finds that policy influence is often subtle, indirect and designed to embed organisations within the policy architecture. It suggests that government agencies should proceed with great caution in entering into such partnerships with industry associated bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Durrance-Bagale
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Helen Walls
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
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19
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Madden M, McCambridge J. Alcohol marketing versus public health: David and Goliath? Global Health 2021; 17:45. [PMID: 33845851 PMCID: PMC8040366 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00696-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol harms are rising globally, and alcohol policies, where they exist, are weak or under-developed. Limited progress has been made since the formulation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Strategy in 2010. WHO is seeking to accelerate progress in implementing international efforts to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. The threat to global health posed by tobacco is well understood by policy communities and populations globally; by contrast alcohol is much less so, despite available evidence. THE COMPETITION FOR EPISTEMIC AUTHORITY Global alcohol corporations have sought to become trusted sources of advice for policy makers and consumers, while continuing to grow their markets. Evidence-informed public health messaging faces formidable competition from transnational corporations as the worlds of corporate and political communications, social and mainstream media become increasingly linked, presenting new opportunities for corporate actors to shape global health governance. Alcohol messaging that uses means of persuasion tied to industry agendas does not tell a clear story about commercial determinants of health, and does not contribute to health improvement. On the contrary, the basic tenets of an evidence-informed population-based approach are denied and the policy measures supported by high quality evidence are being opposed, because they are inimical to commercial interests. A David and Goliath metaphor for this state of affairs, which seems to fit at first glance, may unwittingly reinforce the status quo. CONCLUSION Public opinion on alcohol and policy issues varies across time and place and can be influenced by dedicated public health interventions. Alcohol marketing dominates people's thinking about alcohol because we currently allow this to happen. Greater ambition is needed in developing countermarketing and other interventions to promote evidence-informed ideas with the public. Alcohol policies need to be further developed, and implemented more widely, in order to arrest the growing burden of alcohol harms across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Madden
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Seebohm Rowntree Building, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
| | - Jim McCambridge
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Seebohm Rowntree Building, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
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20
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PETTICREW MARK, MAANI NASON, PETTIGREW LUISA, RUTTER HARRY, VAN SCHALKWYK MAYCI. The Authors Reply-Response to Sim et al. Milbank Q 2020; 98:E5-E12. [PMID: 33377288 PMCID: PMC7772633 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - NASON MAANI
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Boston University School of Public Health
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21
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Brennan E, Schoenaker DAJM, Durkin SJ, Dunstone K, Dixon HG, Slater MD, Pettigrew S, Wakefield MA. Comparing responses to public health and industry-funded alcohol harm reduction advertisements: an experimental study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035569. [PMID: 32988938 PMCID: PMC7523211 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Conduct a head-to-head experimental test of responses to alcohol harm reduction advertisements developed by alcohol industry Social Aspects/Public Relations Organisations (SAPROs) versus those developed by public health (PH) agencies. We hypothesised that, on average, SAPRO advertisements would be less effective at generating motivation (H1) and intentions to reduce alcohol consumption (H2) but more effective at generating positive perceptions of people who drink (H3). DESIGN Online experiment with random assignment to condition. PARTICIPANTS 2923 Australian adult weekly drinkers (49% high-risk drinkers) recruited from an opt-in online panel. INTERVENTIONS Participants viewed 3 of 83 advertisements developed by PH agencies (n=2174) or 3 of 28 advertisements developed by SAPROs (n=749). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Participants reported their motivation to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed; behave responsibly and/or not get drunk; and limit their drinking around/never supply to minors, as well as intentions to avoid drinking alcohol completely; reduce the number of drinking occasions; and reduce the amount of alcohol consumed per occasion. Participants also reported their perceptions of people who drink alcohol on six success-related items and four fun-related items. RESULTS Compared with drinkers exposed to PH advertisements, those exposed to SAPRO advertisements reported lower motivation to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed (β=-0.091, 95% CI -0.171 to -0.010), and lower odds of intending to avoid alcohol completely (OR=0.77, 0.63 to 0.94) and to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed per occasion (OR=0.82, 0.69 to 0.97). SAPRO advertisements generated more favourable fun-related perceptions of drinkers (β=0.095, 0.013 to 0.177). CONCLUSIONS The alcohol harm reduction advertisements produced by alcohol industry SAPROs that were tested in this study were not as effective at generating motivation and intentions to reduce alcohol consumption as those developed by PH organisations. These findings raise questions as to whether SAPROs should play a role in alcohol harm reduction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Brennan
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle A J M Schoenaker
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah J Durkin
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kimberley Dunstone
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen G Dixon
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael D Slater
- School of Communication, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie A Wakefield
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Petticrew M, Maani N, Pettigrew L, Rutter H, VAN Schalkwyk MC. Dark Nudges and Sludge in Big Alcohol: Behavioral Economics, Cognitive Biases, and Alcohol Industry Corporate Social Responsibility. Milbank Q 2020; 98:1290-1328. [PMID: 32930429 PMCID: PMC7772646 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Nudges steer people toward certain options but also allow them to go their own way. “Dark nudges” aim to change consumer behavior against their best interests. “Sludge” uses cognitive biases to make behavior change more difficult. We have identified dark nudges and sludge in alcohol industry corporate social responsibility (CSR) materials. These undermine the information on alcohol harms that they disseminate, and may normalize or encourage alcohol consumption. Policymakers and practitioners should be aware of how dark nudges and sludge are used by the alcohol industry to promote misinformation about alcohol harms to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nason Maani
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.,Boston University School of Public Health
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23
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Special Issue: Alcohol Policy and Public Health-Contributing to the Global Debate on Accelerating Action on Alcohol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113816. [PMID: 32481480 PMCID: PMC7312625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In July 2018,[...].
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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.
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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
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Hydes TJ, Williams R, Sheron N. Exploring the gap in the public's understanding of the links between alcohol and cancer. Clin Med (Lond) 2020; 20:4-7. [PMID: 31941725 PMCID: PMC6964189 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.ed.20.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Hydes
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Roger Williams
- Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK and King's College London, London, UK
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Help or Hindrance? The Alcohol Industry and Alcohol Control in Portugal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224554. [PMID: 31752119 PMCID: PMC6888387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The influence of the alcohol industry, also known as “corporate political activity” (CPA), is documented as one of the main barriers in implementing effective alcohol control policies. In Portugal, despite an alcohol consumption above the European average, alcohol control does not feature in the current National Health Plan. The present research aimed to identify and describe the CPA of the alcohol industry in Portugal. Publicly-available data published between January 2018 and April 2019 was extracted from the main websites and social media accounts of alcohol industry trade associations, charities funded by the industry, government, and media. A “Policy Dystopia” framework, used to describe the CPA strategies of the tobacco industry, was adapted and used to perform a qualitative thematic analysis. Both instrumental and discursive strategies were found. The industry works in partnership with health authorities, belonging to the national task force responsible for planning alcohol control policies. Additionally, it emphasizes the role alcohol plays in Portuguese culture as a way to disregard evidence on control policies from other countries. This paper presents the first description of CPA by the alcohol industry in Portugal and provides evidence for the adoption of stricter control policies in the country.
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