Poster Presentation ANZOS-Breakthrough Discoveries Joint Annual Scientific Meeting 2018

What does advocacy look like in a government-funded mass-media led public education campaign? (#350)

Maria Szybiak 1 2 , Emma Groves 1 , Victoria Jansen 1 2 , Steve Pratt 2
  1. Heart Foundation WA, Subiaco, WA, Australia
  2. Cancer Council Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia

Introduction

The frequency with which Australians consume energy dense, nutrient poor junk foods is a major concern. Over consumption of junk foods contributes to chronic diseases including overweight and obesity and, through displacement of core foods, also contributes to nutrient deficiencies. A very large number of processed junk foods are sold in an abundance of locations in Australia, and are heavily marketed and promoted.

The junk food industry plays a significant role in preventing implementation of policies and regulatory initiatives that may impede upon sales of unhealthy foods. The advertising and marketing of junk food to children and the building of fast food outlets in close proximity to child services are political and ethical issue that have serious consequences. Urgent legislative action is required to address the deficiencies of the current self-regulatory and voluntary system.

Methodology

LiveLighter® builds capacity for policy discussions and changes by -

  • Monitoring junk food advertising and lodging complaints to the Advertising Standards Board (ASB);
  • Supporting communities to advocate for changes to local government planning decisions with regard to the building or expansion of fast food outlets in their area;
  • Generating significant media coverage regarding public health policy issues;
  • Implementing tactical media advocacy strategies to address policy issues; and
  • Monitoring public opinion on public policies through weekly online tracking surveys (n=75 per week), and annual computer-assisted telephone surveys (n =700 to n=1500).

Findings

  • The Advertising Standards Board upheld a complaint about a television advertisement for Coco Pops.
  • Communities can slow and/or stop the progress of building applications for fast food outlets.
  • There is strong public support for government to implement healthy public policies directly related to regulating junk food and drink.

Conclusion

Government-funded mass-media led campaigns have a significant role to play in softening the ground for the development of healthy public policy.