Objective: The World Health Organization recommends people reduce their free sugar consumption to <10% of daily energy intake. This study aimed to determine the viability of the 'Healthier Drinks at Healthcare Facilities' strategy to reduce the amount of free sugar available in beverages and influence consumer purchasing patterns.
Methods: Beverage environment modifications at a children's hospital limited the availability of less healthy options. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, sales data from retail food outlets (n=7) and vending machines (n=14) were collected from January 2017 to May 2018. Employees (n=105) and visitors (n=102) completed surveys, and retail food outlet managers (n=3) completed semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and content analysis.
Results: The strategy decreased the availability of less healthy beverages and resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of 'green' (healthier) beverages sold (3%, p=0.002), and a decrease in the proportion of 'red' (less healthy) beverages sold (5%, p=0.011). Overall, sales did not change (p=0.243). The majority of participants supported the strategy.
Conclusions: Overall, a shift in consumer purchasing patterns resulted. Further modification of the beverage environment is encouraged to increase impact. Implications for public health: This strategy was feasible and acceptable in a healthcare setting.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.13013 | DOI Listing |
BMC Health Serv Res
January 2025
Society for Family Health, Abuja, Nigeria.
Background: Expanding access to equitable health insurance is an important lever towards the overall strategy for achieving universal health coverage. In Nigeria, health insurance coverage is low with a renewed government action on increasing access to and coverage of high-quality healthcare services to citizens, particularly for the vulnerable and poor population. Therefore, our study co-creates the priorities for expanding health insurance in Nigeria, focusing on key policy reforms, public advocacy, and innovative financing strategies to ensure broader and more equitable coverage for the population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPublic Health Nutr
January 2025
Medical Research Council Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Objective: This study assessed the association between baseline sociodemographic variables, body composition and 4-year changes in the intake of food groups, including sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) among children, after implementation of the health promotion levy.
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Setting: 10 schools in North West Province, South Africa.
Cureus
November 2024
Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND.
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is curriculum-based teaching and learning of various dimensions of sexuality. By equipping young people with accurate information on sexual and reproductive health, CSE promotes healthier populations and fosters a more informed workforce, contributing positively to national economies. Although known to have many benefits, CSE is not universally accepted or implemented.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Psychol
December 2024
Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Introduction: Academic environments are known for their high demands, often resulting in significant distress among employees. Thus, identifying effective intervention strategies to mitigate workplace stress is essential. The present study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of mind-body interventions (i.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Med Internet Res
December 2024
Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Erasmus Medical Center, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Background: The maintenance of a healthy lifestyle significantly influences pregnancy outcomes. Certain pregnant women are more at risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors due to factors such as having a low socioeconomic position and low social capital. eHealth interventions tailored to pregnant women affected by these vulnerability factors can provide support and motivation for healthier choices.
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