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Strategic messaging to promote taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages: Lessons from recent political campaigns

Author

Listed:
  • Jou, J.
  • Niederdeppe, J.
  • Barry, C.L.
  • Gollust, S.E.

Abstract

Objectives. This study explored the use of strategic messaging by proponents of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation to influence public opinion and shape the policy process, emphasizing the experiences in El Monte and Richmond, California, with SSB tax proposals in 2012. Methods. We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with key stakeholders about the use and perceived effectiveness of messages supporting and opposing SSB taxation, knowledge sharing among advocates, message dissemination, and lessons learned from their messaging experiences. Results. The protax messages most frequently mentioned by respondents were reinvesting tax revenue into health-related programs and linking SSB consumption to health outcomes such as obesity and diabetes. The most frequently mentioned antitax messages addressed negative economic effects on businesses and government restriction of personal choice. Factors contributing to perceived messaging success included clearly defining "sugar-sweetened beverage" and earmarking funds for obesity prevention, incorporating cultural sensitivity into messaging, and providing education about the health effects of SSB consumption. Conclusions. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxation has faced significant challenges in gaining political and public support. Future campaigns can benefit from insights gained through the experiences of stakeholders involved in previous policy debates.

Suggested Citation

  • Jou, J. & Niederdeppe, J. & Barry, C.L. & Gollust, S.E., 2014. "Strategic messaging to promote taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages: Lessons from recent political campaigns," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(5), pages 847-853.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301679_0
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301679
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    Cited by:

    1. Sara Fernández Sánchez-Escalonilla & Carlos Fernández-Escobar & Miguel Ángel Royo-Bordonada, 2022. "Public Support for the Imposition of a Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and the Determinants of Such Support in Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-12, March.
    2. Hagenaars, Luc L. & Jevdjevic, Milica & Jeurissen, Patrick P.T. & Klazinga, Niek S., 2020. "Six lessons from introducing sweetened beverage taxes in Berkeley, Cook County, and Philadelphia: A case study comparison in agenda setting and decision making," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(9), pages 932-942.
    3. Scott, C. & Hawkins, B. & Knai, C., 2017. "Food and beverage product reformulation as a corporate political strategy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 37-45.
    4. Emily A. Altman & Kristine A. Madsen & Laura A. Schmidt, 2021. "Missed Opportunities: The Need to Promote Public Knowledge and Awareness of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-9, April.

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