Evidence map›Paper›PMID 27436666›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2016

Sugar-sweetened beverages coverage in the British media: an analysis of public health advocacy versus pro-industry messaging.

Alex Elliott-Green, Lirije Hyseni, Ffion Lloyd-Williams, Helen Bromley, Simon Capewell

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open, 2016. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 30 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
30citing papers in PubMed, 2 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

30 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Alex Elliott-GreenUniversity of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
Lirije HyseniUniversity of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
Ffion Lloyd-WilliamsUniversity of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
Helen BromleyUniversity of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
Simon CapewellUniversity of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.

Funding

Medical Research Council G0900847
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesTo assess the extent of media-based public health advocacy versus pro-industry messaging regarding sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).

designWe conducted a systematic analysis to identify and examine all articles regarding SSBs published in all mainstream British print newspapers and their online news websites from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014. We initially conducted a brief literature search to develop appropriate search terms and categorisations for grouping and analysing the articles. Articles were then coded according to the publishing newspaper, article type, topic, prominence and slant (pro-SSB or anti-SSB). A contextual analysis was undertaken to examine key messages in the articles.

resultsWe identified 374 articles published during 2014. The majority of articles (81%) suggested that SSBs are unhealthy. Messaging from experts, campaign groups and health organisations was fairly consistent about the detrimental effects of SSB on health. However, relatively few articles assessed any approaches or solutions to potentially combat the problems associated with SSBs. Only one-quarter (24%) suggested any policy change. Meanwhile, articles concerning the food industry produced consistent messages emphasising consumer choice and individual responsibility for making choices regarding SSB consumption, and promoting and advertising their products. The food industry thus often managed to avoid association with the negative press that their products were receiving.

conclusionsSSBs were frequently published in mainstream British print newspapers and their online news websites during 2014. Public health media advocacy was prominent throughout, with a growing consensus that sugary drinks are bad for people's health. However, the challenge for public health will be to mobilise supportive public opinion to help implement effective regulatory policies. Only then will our population's excess consumption of SSBs come under control.

Indexed as

BeveragesCommunicationDietDietary SugarsFood IndustryMass MediaPublic HealthConsumer AdvocacyHumansInternetMarketingNewspapers as TopicPublic OpinionSweetening AgentsUnited KingdomDietary SugarsSweetening AgentsAdvocacyFood IndustryMediaPUBLIC HEALTHSodaSugar Sweetened Beverages

Identifiers

PMID27436666
PMCPMC4964256

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.