Health Promotion International[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Evaluating sugar-sweetened beverage tax effects: online price and sales data from grocers in Canada.
Prowse R, Zaltz D, Crichton K … +7 more , Dooley K, Hammond D, Yi Y, Paquette MC, Wang PP, Raine K, Harding SV
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41328516 · Full text
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) introduced Canada's first sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax in September 2022. Compared with national averages, NL has higher intakes of SSBs, lower intakes of plain water and milk, with h...
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) introduced Canada's first sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax in September 2022. Compared with national averages, NL has higher intakes of SSBs, lower intakes of plain water and milk, with higher rates of overweight and obesity and diabetes. Taxing SSBs is a recommended intervention but real-world effectiveness of SSB taxes requires more investigation. We evaluated changes in weekly beverage prices and sales pre- and post-tax implementation, comparing NL (intervention) to non-tax regions in Canada (control). We used a controlled interrupted time series to evaluate prices from grocery store websites 3 months pre- and post-tax. We observed no differences-in-differences in the intercept [β = -0.024, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.15-0.10, P = .70] or slope (β = 0.00, 95% CI -0.02-0.02, P = .99) of price changes. We used a repeat cross-sectional study to compare total annual sales of beverage categories in the year pre- and post-tax. Per capita sales in litres of taxable SSB decreased more in NL (-11.6%) than non-tax regions (-6.7%). Per capita sales of diet beverages (+4.4%) and unsweetened water (+2.2%) increased in NL. The NL SSB tax had no immediate impact on retail prices of taxable SSBs measured on product selection pages on grocery websites. Beverage purchasing shifted in NL since the SSB tax start date, however, it is difficult to isolate the impact of the SSB tax from broader market trends or other influencing factors. Long-term evaluation of the NL SSB tax is needed.
'She mustn't be the mother alone': motivators, barriers, and recommendations for men's engagement with reproductive research in South Africa.
Gardiner CV, Headman T, Soepnel LM … +6 more , Mabasa J, Klingberg S, Motlhatlhedi M, Pentecost M, Draper CE, Nyati LH
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41328515 · Full text
There is a notable lack of engagement in reproductive and lifecourse research with and from men, with a disproportionate focus on women. While studies investigating the lack of men's engagement with services exist, there...
There is a notable lack of engagement in reproductive and lifecourse research with and from men, with a disproportionate focus on women. While studies investigating the lack of men's engagement with services exist, there is little evidence on their engagement with reproductive and lifecourse research. This article qualitatively examines men's engagement in such research in the Bukhali trial in South Africa. Single, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 male partners of Bukhali participants, and data were thematically analysed. Results were grouped into three domains: (i) motivators for engagement, (ii) barriers to engagement, and (iii) recommendations to improve engagement. Motivators to engage included partner support, desiring to learn and gain knowledge, and taking the opportunity to access the same perceived trial benefits as their partner. Barriers included having misconceptions around the research, fear and mistrust of hospitals and illness, gendered ideas around 'women's health issues', hesitance around sharing personal details, and lack of time and perceived (financial) benefits. To increase engagement, male partners recommended increasing awareness and creating safe research spaces for men. Each theme was inflected with male partners' sociocultural and contextual realities and provided valuable insights into obstacles and opportunities for improving men's engagement in reproductive research.
Men's health, physical activity, and ageing in a professional football club community organization programme.
Duffell T, Haycock D, Smith A
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41328514 · Full text
Professional sport club community organizations (CCOs) are regarded as important neighbourhood settings for men's health promotion. However, little is known about how age, and perceptions of ageing and masculinity, shape...
Professional sport club community organizations (CCOs) are regarded as important neighbourhood settings for men's health promotion. However, little is known about how age, and perceptions of ageing and masculinity, shape physically inactive men's engagement in CCO-led health programmes. This study addresses this international knowledge gap by presenting novel insights on the lived experiences of 17 physically inactive men (aged 30-71) involved in the Active Blues programme based in north-west England. Men who engaged in the programme initially regarded it as an important opportunity to return to competitive sport. However, it was the facilitation of traditional masculine values of banter and camaraderie with new like-minded peers which was essential for men's continued engagement, and which helped them manage age-related health conditions. Those who did not engage in Active Blues were more likely to have accepted socially constructed deficit-focused narratives of ageing which, for some, meant 'slowing down'. Fulfilling family commitments and caring responsibilities also prevented some men's engagement. The findings emphasize the need to develop more diverse and culturally nuanced understandings of engaging men in gender-responsive CCO-led health promotion programmes which are underpinned by conceptions of positive, strengths-based, healthy masculinities and which reinforce notions of peer support, camaraderie and openness.
'Everyone's a bit buzzed, why not share that': exploring alcohol-related user-generated content among young people in Victoria, Australia.
Crocetti A, Browne J, Backholer K … +8 more , Lister N, Atkinson-Briggs S, Bennett R, Cook O, Walker T, Martino F, Miller P, Dunn M
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41321302 · Full text
Social media platforms are increasingly saturated with alcohol-related user-generated content (UGC), which can shape young people's attitudes and behaviours towards drinking. While all young people are potentially influe...
Social media platforms are increasingly saturated with alcohol-related user-generated content (UGC), which can shape young people's attitudes and behaviours towards drinking. While all young people are potentially influenced by this content, certain groups, such as Aboriginal young people; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ+) young people; and those living in regional areas, experience disproportionate alcohol-related harms and may have unique experiences with alcohol-related UGC. However, research examining these diverse perspectives remains limited. This qualitative study explored perspectives of Aboriginal, LGBTQ+, and regional young people (aged 16-20) regarding alcohol-related social media practices through semi-structured interviews (n = 24). Reflexive thematic analysis was applied, with four overarching themes constructed from the data: (i) participants described alcohol posting as performative practice tied to sociability, identity, and peer influence; (ii) social media posts and digital amplification were seen to embed binge drinking culture within youth identity; (iii) Aboriginal, LGBTQ+, and regional participants reported distinct responses to alcohol UGC, with experiences shaped by stereotyping, safety concerns, and permissive environments; (iv) influencer-generated content was viewed as highly pervasive and many participants expressed scepticism at its authenticity. Policy action is needed to protect young people from the harms associated with online alcohol promotion and must recognize the intersectional experiences of young people from Aboriginal, LGBTQ+ and regional communities.
Newspaper framing of food poverty and insecurity on the island of Ireland.
Kerins C, Kerrigan P, Furey S … +4 more , McCartan A, Kelly C, Jahir T, Vaughan E
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41308116 · Full text
Given that news media play key roles in shaping public and policy responses to food poverty and insecurity, this study analysed how newspapers frame these issues across the island of Ireland, comparing coverage between j...
Given that news media play key roles in shaping public and policy responses to food poverty and insecurity, this study analysed how newspapers frame these issues across the island of Ireland, comparing coverage between jurisdictions (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) and newspaper types (national versus regional/local). Using LexisNexis and Irish Newspaper Archives, we searched for articles containing 'food poverty' or 'food insecurity' published between January 2018 and January 2023. We used Entman's framing theory to code articles for problem definitions, causal interpretations, solutions, moral evaluations, and social actors. Analysis of 80 articles from 14 newspapers revealed coverage peaked during school holiday periods (December and Summer), reinforcing episodic attention to 'holiday hunger'. Although structural causes appeared in 66% of articles-including inadequate income, living costs, and welfare failures-proposed solutions were predominantly charitable (79%) rather than structural (39%), with food banks cited most frequently. National newspapers more frequently discussed structural causes and policy solutions, while regional publications focused on charitable responses. Articles predominantly featured voices from charities (88%) and government officials (50%), while only 10% incorporated voices from those experiencing food poverty and insecurity. This disconnect between acknowledged structural causes and proposed charitable solutions perpetuates normalization of food poverty and insecurity, obscuring state responsibility for ensuring the right to adequate food. Such framing impedes recognition that this issue in wealthy nations results from political choices requiring systemic reform, not charitable intervention.
'Gudhurr-wutu' (strengthen the mob): maximizing the impact of First Nations health and well-being messaging.
Lavis H, Thompson A, Zander V … +7 more , Luland R, Cowan W, Lockwood N, Donohue J, Quinlan G, Fernando K, Hodyl N
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41308115 · Full text
Dunghutti Country is located within Australia's number one 'stroke hotspot', with incidence almost double the national average. First Nations peoples are disproportionately affected by stroke, with higher incidence and h...
Dunghutti Country is located within Australia's number one 'stroke hotspot', with incidence almost double the national average. First Nations peoples are disproportionately affected by stroke, with higher incidence and hospitalization rates and a greater risk of dying compared to non-First Nations Australians. Early recognition of stroke symptoms is critical for people to access time-sensitive medical interventions, maximizing recovery potential. Whilst an internationally recognized F.A.S.T (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) message exists to promote rapid recognition of stroke symptoms, community awareness of F.A.S.T is limited. This project aimed to collaboratively design a culturally responsive F.A.S.T health message with and by First Nation's peoples, thus increasing awareness of stroke symptoms, to improve response for seeking time-sensitive medical care. Guided by a qualitative participatory action methodology, and the use of cross-cultural Yarning as the method, this collaborative project involved six Dunghutti stroke survivors, a Dunghutti artist, a knowledge holder of local Dunghutti language, and a local occupational therapist/researcher, who reviewed the mainstream F.A.S.T health message and reimagined that message in a culturally relevant and meaningful way. Yarning allowed exploration of key themes, identifying three elements necessary to maximize the impact of First Nations health and well-being messaging. Elements included ensuring the health message (i) connects to Country, (ii) connects to understandings of health and well-being, and (iii) connects through relevant content, with First Nations peoples centred within the ideation, development, and message delivery processes.
The global impact of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in decreasing barriers to accessing healthcare services in high-risk communities: a scoping review.
Chandrasekaran R, Eng E, Knecht M … +1 more , Sacca L
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41294315 · Publisher ↗
The purpose of this scoping review is to identify different measures that have been used to assess the global impact of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to reduce healthcare challenges, explore different strategies,...
The purpose of this scoping review is to identify different measures that have been used to assess the global impact of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to reduce healthcare challenges, explore different strategies, interventions, and resources that have been used by NGOs in addressing barriers to accessing healthcare services, and share the lessons learned and future recommendations to maintain a sustainable impact in the reduction of obstacles to attaining quality healthcare. The study was guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. The York methodology created by Arksey and O'Malley served as the basis for this scoping review. The 22 included studies were published between 2012 and 2024. Main strategies to help bridge healthcare challenges in low-income and rural communities include community mobilization and creation of mobile clinics to help increase access to care. The evaluation tools that were used to assess impact of intervention on the target population included questionnaires and surveys given to target population (n = 8); new morbidity cases (n = 3); and validated framework analysis (n = 2), among others. Two hundred and eleven implementation strategies (n = 211) were identified, corresponding to 48 of the SISTER strategies (64%). A range of 4 through 18 were reported in any 1 study. The most commonly reported SISTER strategies, identified in 45% of included studies, were: "Distribute educational materials" (#42) and "Develop educational materials" (#41). Findings from this review may contribute to the establishment and dissemination of a standardized framework for adaptation by NGOs to improve global health outcomes.
Oral histories on water, sanitation, and hygiene across women's lifecourse and wellbeing implications in Ghana.
Boadu R, Abu TZ, Musah CI … +2 more , Ainooson O, Elliott SJ
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41293978 · Publisher ↗
Despite notable global progress in tackling water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), substantial challenges persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While WASH in LMICs is a quintessentially gende...
Despite notable global progress in tackling water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), substantial challenges persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While WASH in LMICs is a quintessentially gendered issue, with the burden falling primarily on women, their meaningful participation in WASH management is often questioned. And yet women have important stories to tell. This paper examines the experiences of WASH through the oral histories of older women (n = 32 respondents aged 60+) in three districts in northern Ghana. We situate this work within an eco-social framework that allows us to contextualize resource access related to the determinants of health. Findings reveal substantial perceived improvements in WASH access over the years. This progress was primarily attributed to education and training on appropriate WASH practices. Results also underscore the crucial role of stakeholders, including NGOs, local governments, WASH committees, women's support groups, and individual initiatives, in the advancement of local WASH services. However, the absence of adequate WASH services continues to exacerbate vulnerability to gender-based violence (GBV). Results indicate the need for collaboration and cooperation in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (water and sanitation for all), and most importantly, galvanize our thinking around the role of women in this process, by addressing SDG 5 (empowering women and girls) and SDG 3 (health and wellbeing for all).
A call for a shared future vision for Planetary and One Health Literacy.
Jochem C, Doyle G, Sørensen K … +3 more , Kickbusch I, Rüegg S, De Gani SM
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41293977 · Full text
Global health is increasingly shaped by interlinked crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and social inequalities, all of which undermine the determinants of health. At the same time, the digital r...
Global health is increasingly shaped by interlinked crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and social inequalities, all of which undermine the determinants of health. At the same time, the digital revolution and geopolitical instability amplify misinformation and inequities. Health literacy has been recognized by the WHO Global Health Strategy as a key pillar of resilient health systems, while the Lancet One Health Commission highlights the urgent need for shared competencies across human, animal, and environmental health. Against this backdrop, the concepts of Planetary Health Literacy and One Health Literacy provide complementary frameworks to extend health literacy into ecological systems and the interconnected health of humans, animals, and other species. Planetary Health Literacy emphasizes sustainability and ecological boundaries, whereas One Health Literacy focuses on interspecies risks such as zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. Together, they provide a powerful approach for fostering competencies that enable individuals, communities, professionals, and policy-makers to critically appraise information, make sustainable and health-promoting decisions, and act across human and ecological systems. This article calls for a shared vision of Planetary and One Health Literacy to guide health promotion, education, and policy. Key action priorities include embedding these literacies across all levels of education and professional training; developing and validating indicators for measurement; incorporating them into public health policies and climate-health frameworks; fostering cross-sectoral collaboration; and including indigenous and traditional knowledge. By investing in Planetary and One Health Literacy, governments and institutions can empower societies to adopt healthier, more sustainable behaviours, build climate-resilient health systems, and advance a systemic response to today's polycrisis.
The role of information and communication technology on the well-being of residents in rural nursing homes.
Li X, McPherson C, Battu M … +1 more , Shaw T
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41293976 · Full text
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for enhancing the well-being of nursing home residents. However, residents' perspectives on ICT usage and its implementation...
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for enhancing the well-being of nursing home residents. However, residents' perspectives on ICT usage and its implementation in rural nursing homes remain underexplored. This study investigated the role of ICT in promoting well-being from the viewpoint of residents in rural long-term care settings. A qualitative research approach was employed, using semistructured interviews with 16 residents from nursing homes in southern Illinois, USA. Thematic analysis generated five key themes: ICT as a bridge to the outside world, ICT as mental and emotional support, ICT's role in enhancing independence and self-sufficiency, Technology remains out of reach, and ICT support and assistance. The findings highlight the significant advantages of ICT use, particularly in improving mood, reducing isolation, and alleviating symptoms of depression. Despite these benefits, ongoing barriers, such as limited resources, financial constraints, and insufficient institutional support, continue to impede effective ICT integration. These challenges underscore the need for increased investment in digital literacy programs, reliable internet access, and affordable technology solutions to maximize the benefits of ICT in rural long-term care settings.
Food spaces that foster student capabilities: insights from a rural Aotearoa New Zealand high school.
Reweti Ngāpuhi A, Severinsen C, Erueti Taranaki Te Atihaunui-A-Pāpārangi Ngāti Tūwharetoa B … +2 more , Carter D, Aitken C
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41293975 · Full text
This study explores how a school wharekai (communal dining hall) implementing the Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunch Programme operates as a multidimensional health promotion setting that fosters student capabilities be...
This study explores how a school wharekai (communal dining hall) implementing the Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunch Programme operates as a multidimensional health promotion setting that fosters student capabilities beyond nutrition. Using a qualitative approach grounded in mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and community-based participatory research, we conducted focus groups with 22 students and semi-structured interviews with 12 staff members to examine how the wharekai promotes wellbeing. Findings show that the wharekai provides a culturally responsive environment where three interrelated capabilities flourish: self-management, interpersonal relationships, and community participation. Through daily routines and authentic roles in food preparation, students practise responsibility, initiative, and cooperation. Shared meals strengthen tuakana-teina (peer) relationships and build trust between students and staff, while collective activities foster belonging, reciprocity, and sustainability. Conceptualizing food spaces through cultural frameworks such as the wharekai demonstrates how school food programmes can simultaneously address food insecurity and create transformative learning environments. This study highlights how culturally grounded, settings-based approaches can integrate nutritional, social, and relational dimensions of health promotion, reimagining school food provision as a holistic, capability-building practice that enhances individual and collective wellbeing.
Screening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers' mental health through a digital parenting programme.
Hammond C, Adams M, So J … +2 more , StGeorge J, Fletcher R
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41287965 · Full text
Screening and treatment of maternal perinatal depression is well established, yet existing health care services rarely focus on fathers, and even fewer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers. This study examine...
Screening and treatment of maternal perinatal depression is well established, yet existing health care services rarely focus on fathers, and even fewer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers. This study examined the engagement with the Mood Checker (MC) mental health screening tool among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) fathers enrolled in the SMS4dads/SMS4DeadlyDads programme. The MC prompts self-reflection on parenting and wellbeing topics and offers referral to mental health support when needed. Routinely collected programme data from participants enrolled between September 2021 and 30 June 2024 were analysed to assess engagement across 14 MCs, including link clicks, self-assessment responses, and access to linked supports. A total of 571 fathers received an average of eight MC texts. Across 4545 texts sent, 19% of MC links were clicked, and of these, 29% were completed. The MC 'Antenatal stress' had the highest proportion of link clicks, while 'Will I be a good father' had the highest completion rate followed by 'Antenatal stress'. MC responses indicating higher concern were related to 'Exercise', 'Intimacy', and 'Sleep'. Thirty-four participants were offered a mental health support link. Participants who did not click on any MC link and those who clicked but did not complete had significantly higher distress at enrolment compared to those who engaged with the MC. These findings highlight the potential of culturally appropriate digital fathering programmes to identify distress and support timely mental health referral for Indigenous fathers during the perinatal period.
A policy analysis of active travel in public healthcare organizations, Victoria Australia.
Larsen R, Dangerfield F, Verrinder G
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41287964 · Full text
Healthcare organizations contribute directly and indirectly to global greenhouse gas emissions and consequently to degradation of the environment and poor human health. Active travel has known positive effects on both th...
Healthcare organizations contribute directly and indirectly to global greenhouse gas emissions and consequently to degradation of the environment and poor human health. Active travel has known positive effects on both the health of the environment and humans. Within Australia, healthcare organizations are significant employers and while efforts to reduce the impact of healthcare organizations on the environment are growing, there remains little advancement in increasing rates of active travel among healthcare staff. This study describes active travel policies in the public healthcare sector within the State of Victoria in Australia through a systematic analysis of publicly facing documents. A qualitative document analysis approach was adopted to investigate Victorian public healthcare organization's policies for active travel. Organizational websites, environmental policies, health promotion pages, and vision and mission statements were analysed for active travel policies and content. Of the 21 healthcare organizations investigated, none had a specific policy on active travel for its employees. Many organizations had environmental sustainability policies, with some policies referencing the need to transition staff into more sustainable commute modes. The inclusion of measurable policy objectives was mostly absent. There is a paucity of policies that would enable an increase in active travel in the major publicly funded Victorian healthcare organizations in Australia, despite the majority of organizations signing on to the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Initiative, which highlights patient and staff transport as one of the ten sustainability goals. Without clear and actionable policy, healthcare organizations will remain at a difficult crossroads where their culture fails to reflect the health promoting advice they provide to their community. However, with this knowledge, opportunities such as improving end of trip facilities and the development of robust facilitative policy can be undertaken.
The Ottawa Charter: Indigenous sovereignty, resistance, and health promotion at 40.
Maddox R, Kornacki C, Bradbrook SK … +1 more , Calma T
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41277447 · Full text
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Using theatre to transform understanding and attitudes about asthma in African adolescents.
Mosler G, Nkhalamba LM, Mkutumula E … +17 more , Addo-Yobo E, Adeyeye OO, Arhin B, Euba T, James J, Maleni S, Masekela R, Mphahlele R, Mujuru HA, Muyemayema S, Nantanda R, Ojo OT, Kwarteng Owusu S, Steed L, Ticklay I, Zurba L, Grigg J
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41259111 · Full text
Asthma is a common non-communicable disease in children and adolescents. In the Global South, many children are either undiagnosed or under-treated. Health education through theatre has emerged as an innovative and effec...
Asthma is a common non-communicable disease in children and adolescents. In the Global South, many children are either undiagnosed or under-treated. Health education through theatre has emerged as an innovative and effective method for disseminating health-related information in Africa for conditions such as HIV/AIDS. In this study, we therefore aimed to assess the impact of an asthma awareness theatre, which was adapted from a UK-based play by local theatre groups in six sub-Saharan African countries. This theatre aimed to improve asthma knowledge, and attitudes, dispel myths, and reduce stigma around asthma among adolescents. The study employed a pre-post design, using questionnaires to assess changes in asthma knowledge before and after the theatre, testing for statistically significant changes using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. Adolescents (11-17 years) in Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe were recruited (n = 3534) through local schools. Nearly all participants stated that the performance was fun (90.7%) and informative (98.1%). Asthma knowledge significantly improved (P < 0.01), including the belief that asthma is not contagious, which rose from 59.7% before to 78.3% after the theatre. To improve health-seeking behaviour and address under-diagnosis and undertreatment of asthma in sub-Saharan African societies, educating young people about asthma and reducing stigma around the condition is of particular importance. We conclude that theatre is an effective way to educate adolescents about asthma at scale across societies in Africa.
Using Instagram for health promotion: professional and ethical challenges for Australian nutritionists and dietitians.
Saw EM, Heaney S, Robinson A … +1 more , Squires K
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41258796 · Full text
Nutritionists and dietitians are the leading nutrition experts, increasingly leveraging social media to share nutrition and health information. While nutritionists and dietitians share role similarities, differences in q...
Nutritionists and dietitians are the leading nutrition experts, increasingly leveraging social media to share nutrition and health information. While nutritionists and dietitians share role similarities, differences in qualifications, regulatory frameworks, and scope of practice remain. This study aimed to assess and analyse the professional and ethical use of Instagram by Australian nutritionists and dietitians. Using a cross-sectional approach, 500 Instagram posts by nutritionists and dietitians were assessed using a modified Social Media Evaluation Checklist. The criteria included categories of financial disclosure, cultural awareness, evidence-based information, transparency, privacy/confidentiality, professionalism, and justifiability. Descriptive data analysis was conducted, and scores were reported in both frequencies (n) and percentages (%). Both nutritionists and dietitians primarily shared content related to diet information and service promotion on Instagram. Scores suggest good professional and ethical demonstration in areas such as cultural awareness, balanced and accurate information, adherence to scope of practice, and transparent imagery. However, inconsistencies were noted with financial disclosure, transparent advertising, referencing sources, accessible language, and safeguarding patient identity. While nutritionists and dietitians demonstrated adherence to professional and ethical practices in certain areas, not all standards were fully met. With the growing usage of social media by nutritionists and dietitians for service promotion, there is a need for clear regulations and updated guidelines tailored to these professionals, with an emphasis on transparent financial disclosure and ensuring accessibility of content. Such guidance would ensure nutritionists and dietitians uphold high ethical and professional standards, fostering public trust and enhancing credibility of information shared by these nutrition experts.
Embedding coproduction: translational impacts of a sustained research-policy coalition in Tasmania, Australia.
Jose K, Proudfoot F, Sharman M … +3 more , Kilpatrick M, Garvey K, Cleland V
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41251284 · Full text
Long-term inter-organizational research-policy collaborations that support research coproduction are uncommon and an overlooked preventive health research impact pathway. This study examines how an Australian research-po...
Long-term inter-organizational research-policy collaborations that support research coproduction are uncommon and an overlooked preventive health research impact pathway. This study examines how an Australian research-policy coalition involving approximately 25 research and policy members from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research (Menzies), University of Tasmania and Public Health Services, Tasmanian Government Department of Health has evolved over time. Using a mixed methods approach the study investigates the elements that have been critical for supporting the long-standing nature of the collaboration and identifies translational research impacts. Data sources included coalition documentation (i.e. contract reports, funding agreements), stakeholder interviews (N = 9), and a workshop with informal network mapping (N = 13). Interview transcripts and documents were analysed through thematic and discourse analysis. Network data mapping individual connections between coalition members and between the coalition and other organizations were collated and analysed descriptively. Impacts were categorized using Sibley's seven effects of research coproduction. Analysis of four tri-annual funding agreements (between 2009 and 2023) revealed discoursal changes in measuring preventive health research planning, outcomes and impacts. A growing focus on relational engagement between researchers and policymakers across research priority areas, collaborative practices and joint capacity building activities to promote coproduction of translational research was evident. Interviews revealed these changes were intentional and while valued, the changes created tensions around the expectations of involvement for some coalition members. System factors undermined some engagement strategies such as co-location. Coalition members had worked together for 5.8 years on average (range 0-35 years) most commonly through information sharing, joint research planning and strategy development. Coalition impacts covered all seven effects of research coproduction. This study highlights the value of a long-term commitment to an inter-organizational research-policy coalition to enhance preventive health knowledge translation into policy and practice. Focusing on building and strengthening relational and systemic approaches to researcher-policymaker engagement, the coalition has evolved to embed research coproduction to enhance research relevance and impact.
Adverse commercial determinants of health in low- and middle-income countries: a public health challenge.
Islam MM, De Lacy-Vawdon C, Gleeson D
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41251001 · Full text
Research on the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) has primarily focused on high-income countries and large commercial entities, with limited scholarly literature addressing the practices of smaller commercial enti...
Research on the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) has primarily focused on high-income countries and large commercial entities, with limited scholarly literature addressing the practices of smaller commercial entities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, LMICs face the greatest public health challenges resulting from harmful commercial activities, and most commercial entities in these countries are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This perspective article examines harmful practices commonly adopted by SMEs in LMICs, drawing on a published framework of commercial sector practices and portfolio. By sharing examples of these practices, the paper highlights harmful actions of SMEs in LMICs, illustrates the significant public health burden they create, and calls for more research and policy focus on these issues. There is an urgent need for CDoH research in LMIC contexts, which should include documenting and monitoring the activities of commercial actors, including SMEs. It is essential for researchers from LMICs to be involved in this research, and efforts should focus on building capacity in this area. To minimize the harms associated with these commercial practices, local regulatory action is required, alongside support from intergovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization.
University student mental health before and after implementation of a mental health strategy: a repeated cross-sectional study from Australia.
Kavanagh SA, Owen PJ, Lolicato E … +4 more , Riches S, Burge L, Yong M, LaMontagne AD
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41230972 · Full text
Studies have consistently indicated that university students are at risk of experiencing poor mental health. This study analysed survey waves at an Australian university in 2019 and 2022 preceding and following implement...
Studies have consistently indicated that university students are at risk of experiencing poor mental health. This study analysed survey waves at an Australian university in 2019 and 2022 preceding and following implementation of a student mental health strategy to evaluate progress on supporting student mental health. Key indicators for mental health and wellbeing; diversity and inclusion; and risk and protective factors for psychological distress were assessed. Regression analyses examined change between survey waves and risk and protective factors within waves. For mental health measures, the findings demonstrate that in 2022 more students found university stressful while no improvement was seen for risk of mental illness, wellbeing, and coping. Students were also less able to identify a mental health problem, more likely to deal with a mental health problem alone, and less aware of the confidentiality of university-based health services. However, help seeking intention increased and diversity and inclusion indicators improved with more students feeling included and accepted. Risk and protective factors were generally consistent across waves with elevated risks associated with non-Australian country of birth, LGBTQI+ status, current health condition, and current financial stress. Protective factors were age, social inclusion, social acceptance, and satisfaction. Limited progress on key indicators may be due to the COVID-19 pandemic and deterioration in economic conditions. The findings suggest universities can support student mental health by making students feel included, accepted, and satisfied, but that universities should also consider how to address the broader social and economic pressures that students face.
Snack foods for Australian infants and toddlers: prevalence, processing, and nutritional quality.
Scully M, Jinnette R, McAleese A … +1 more , Schmidtke A
Health Promot Int · 2025 Oct · PMID 41216651 · Publisher ↗
With the global industry for commercial infant and toddler foods growing, there are concerns that nutrient-poor foods, particularly snacks, are being marketed as suitable for children under 36 months. The current study a...
With the global industry for commercial infant and toddler foods growing, there are concerns that nutrient-poor foods, particularly snacks, are being marketed as suitable for children under 36 months. The current study aimed to document the prevalence of commercial snack foods (CSFs) for infants (<12 months) and toddlers (12 to <36 months) compared to other product categories in Australia, and assess their nutritional composition, taste profile, texture and level of processing. Data were from a 2022 cross-sectional audit of infant and toddler foods conducted across three major Australian supermarkets. Using food categories outlined in WHO Europe's Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM), CSFs were defined as 'snacks and finger foods' and 'confectionery' products. Around a quarter (23%) of infant foods and two-thirds (67%) of toddler foods were CSFs, and most (77%) were assessed as being sweet rather than savoury. Only 19% of CSFs met all applicable NPPM compositional requirements, with toddler CSFs performing comparatively worse than infant CSFs, particularly in terms of their energy density (18% of products compliant vs. 72%) and total sugar content (42% vs. 88%). Overall, 71% of CSFs were categorized as dissolvable (either with or without an initial crispy/crunchy texture), while 63% were ultra-processed based on the NOVA classification system. These study findings indicate that a significant portion of the Australian market for infants and toddlers consists of CSFs that are largely sweet, dissolvable and ultra-processed and non-compliant with international recommendations for key nutrients. Comprehensive reforms are needed to improve the nutritional quality of these products.
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