Co-Principal Investigators
Dr Kelly Morgan & Dr Elinor Coulman (Cardiff University)
Co-investigators
Dr Samantha Garay (Cardiff University); Prof Frank de Vocht (University of Bristol)
Background
Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan University Health Board (UHB), Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council are working collaboratively to progress action that restricts the advertising of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods and drinks as part their wider work to tackle obesity and improve healthy weight across the region. A key aspect of this work is the development of policies that aim to restrict HFSS advertising and increase space for healthier advertising and marketing across the region, on council owned and contracted advertising sites. It is expected that the policy changes will be implemented in March/April 2024.
Aims and objectives
This evaluation of the Healthier Advertising Policies programme aims to:
- Understand public perceptions of HFSS and non-HFSS advertising and of the local HFSS policies.
- Evaluate the impact of HFSS policy changes on predetermined outcomes such as purchasing behaviour and consumption of non-HFSS food and drinks.
A key aspect is the development of policies that aim to restrict High Fat Sugar Salt advertising and increase space for healthier advertising and marketing across the region
Study design
This mixed-methods evaluation has three parts:
- Resident survey: Residents aged 16+ across the two local authorities will have the opportunity to take part the study by completing a survey. Surveys will take place at two-time points; before and after the policy change has been implemented.
- Resident interviews: Up to 20 residents who have completed the first survey will have the opportunity to take part in a one-to-one follow-up interview.
- Focus groups within schools: 10 Primary schools and 10 Secondary schools across the two local authorities will be recruited to participate in the study. Within each school focus groups will take place with 6 to 8 pupils aged 9-11 years.
Public Involvement
Throughout the evaluation, continued Public Involvement activities will include:
- Public involvement local representation within the Study Management Group (SMG) and Study Advisory Group (SAG) to ensure collaborative decision making and public involvement oversight.
- A public involvement school from Cardiff or Vale of Glamorgan to provide involvement from the study set-up phase to ensure representation of young people aged 9-11 years. Young people will guide and support the co-development of study recruitment materials, data collection tools and dissemination plans.
- Involvement of members of local youth groups aged between 13-17 years who have supported the co-development of the evaluation protocol and will continue to inform the development of study recruitment materials, data collection tools and dissemination plans.
Start date
October 2023
End date
December 2024
Funders
This study is funded through the NIHR Public Health Intervention Responsive Studies Team via PHIRST Insight, the Bristol and Cardiff PHIRST