The palatability of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation: A content analysis of newspaper coverage of the UK sugar debate.

Christina H Buckton,Ffion Lloyd-Williams,Shona Hilton,S Vittal Katikireddi,Lirije Hyseni,Chris Patterson,Simon Capewell,Alex Elliott-Green

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0207576

Christina H Buckton, Ffion Lloyd-Williams + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207576

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundExcess sugar consumption, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), contributes to a variety of negative health outcomes, particularly for young people. The mass media play a powerful role in influencing public and policy-makers’ perceptions of public health issues and their solutions. We analysed how sugar and SSB policy debates were presented in UK newspapers at a time of heightened awareness and following the announcement of the UK Government’s soft drinks industry levy (SDIL), to inform future public health advocacy.Methods & findingsWe carried out quantitative content analysis of articles discussing the issues of sugar and SSB consumption published in 11 national newspapers from April 2015 to November 2016. 684 newspaper articles were analysed using a structured coding frame. Coverage peaked in line with evidence publication, campaigner activities and policy events. Articles predominantly supportive of SSB taxation (23.5%) outnumbered those that were predominantly oppositional (14.2%). However, oppositional articles outnumbered supportive ones in the month of the announcement of the SDIL. Sugar and SSB consumption were presented as health risks, particularly affecting young people, with the actions of industry often identified as the cause of the public health problem. Responsibility for addressing sugar overconsumption was primarily assigned to government intervention.ConclusionOur results suggest that the policy landscape favouring fiscal solutions to curb sugar and SSB consumption has benefited from media coverage characterising the issue as an industry-driven problem. Media coverage may drive greater public acceptance of the SDIL and any future taxation of products containing sugar. However, future advocacy efforts should note the surge in opposition coinciding with the announcement of the SDIL, which echoes similar patterns of opposition observed in tobacco control debates.

Highlights

Excess consumption of sugary foods and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), among children and adolescents, is a major public health concern
Our results suggest that the policy landscape favouring fiscal solutions to curb sugar and SSB consumption has benefited from media coverage characterising the issue as an industry-driven problem
The funders had no role in commissioning the study, study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Summary

Introduction

Excess consumption of sugary foods and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), among children and adolescents, is a major public health concern. Excess sugar consumption is associated with poor dental health [5, 6]. 28% of children aged 2–15 years old were either overweight or obese [7]. The consequences of the negative health outcomes relating to obesity cost the NHS over £5 billion per year [8]. Excess sugar consumption, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), contributes to a variety of negative health outcomes, for young people. We analysed how sugar and SSB policy debates were presented in UK newspapers at a time of heightened awareness and following the announcement of the UK Government’s soft drinks industry levy (SDIL), to inform future public health advocacy

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion