Repository logo
 

A Qualitative Study to Understand the Potential Efficacy of an Information-Based Sugar Reduction Intervention among Low Socioeconomic Individuals in the UK.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Solomon-Moore, Emma 

Abstract

Sugar consumption in the UK consistently exceeds recommendations, despite the association it has with poor health outcomes. Low socioeconomic groups are most likely to over-consume sugar, which could exacerbate existing health disparities. Various interventions attempt to reduce the amount of sugar consumed, but their effectiveness is still unclear. This study qualitatively explored the sugar consumption behaviours of individuals experiencing food poverty, and examined how an information-based sugar reduction intervention might influence these behaviours. Eight clients and six volunteers from a food bank in Bristol (UK) completed semi-structured, one-to-one interviews that were thematically analysed. Food bank clients appeared to heavily consume sugar, with little understanding of the associated health effects and limited awareness of the intervention. Consumption behaviours were particularly influenced by personal and psychological factors, such as mental health; in addition to social factors, like familial behaviours and food access issues. It emerged that food bank clients' often-challenging personal circumstances were likely to promote their sugar consumption. Making intervention materials visually appealing and easily comprehendible were found to be important for improving an intervention's reception. Recommendations were developed to improve the efficacy of similar information-based sugar reduction interventions among socioeconomically deprived groups.

Description

Keywords

behaviour, consumption, health, intervention, qualitative, reduction, socioeconomic status, sugar, Adult, Attitude to Health, Awareness, Dietary Sugars, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Qualitative Research, Socioeconomic Factors, United Kingdom

Journal Title

Int J Environ Res Public Health

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1661-7827
1660-4601

Volume Title

16

Publisher

MDPI AG
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (087636/Z/08/Z)
Economic and Social Research Council (ES/G007462/1)
Medical Research Council (MR/K023187/1)
ESRC (1959433)
HF now works under the auspices of the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), a UKCRC Public Health Research Centre of Excellence which is funded by the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Economic and Social Research Council, Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health Research, and the Wellcome Trust