In this qualitative study, the overarching theme identified a lukewarm alcohol marketing policy environment. This situation was facilitated by the alcohol industry acting as the vector, an amber light approach towards public health programs, and other factors contributing to the perceived ineffectiveness of the alcohol marketing policy environment.

A unified public health approach supported by policy and political commitment may pave the way for better alcohol control in Sri Lanka.

Author

Lathika Athauda (email: lathika@kln.ac.lk, lath383@aucklanduni.ac.nz), Roshini Peiris-John, Judith McCool, Rajitha Wickremasinghe, Shanthi Ameratunga

Citation

thauda, L., Peiris-John, R., McCool, J., Wickremasinghe, R., & Ameratunga, S. (2021). The alcohol marketing policy environment and adolescent drinking in Sri Lanka: A qualitative exploration of stakeholder perspectives. World Medical & Health Policy, 1– 16. https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.471


Source
World Medical & Health Policy
Release date
02/08/2021

The Alcohol Marketing Policy Environment and Adolescent Drinking in Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Exploration of Stakeholder Perspectives

Abstract

Introduction

Adolescents continue to be exposed to alcohol marketing, despite the existence of alcohol control policies in Sri Lanka. National-level policies restrict all forms of alcohol advertising, promotions, and sponsorship and sale to minors. The act calls for the need to protect children and adolescents from exposure to the harm of alcohol. This article investigates stakeholders’ perceptions of the alcohol marketing policy environment in Sri Lanka, with a specific focus on policies designed to prevent or curtail adolescent alcohol use.

Method

Between May and July 2019, in-depth interviews were conducted with policy stakeholders in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Thematic analysis was conducted on the audio-recorded interviews that were transcribed and translated and imported to NVivo12. Fifteen policy stakeholders from government and nongovernment organizations participated in this study.

Results

The overarching theme identified a lukewarm alcohol marketing policy environment. This situation was facilitated by the alcohol industry acting as the vector, an amber light approach towards public health programs, and other factors contributing to the perceived ineffectiveness of the alcohol marketing policy environment.

Conclusion

A unified public health approach supported by policy and political commitment may pave the way for better alcohol control in Sri Lanka.


Source Website: Wiley Online Library