Children’s exposure to alcohol marketing within supermarkets: An objective analysis using GPS technology and wearable cameras
- a Health Promotion & Policy Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- b Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- c National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Received 18 May 2017, Revised 16 June 2017, Accepted 22 June 2017, Available online 30 June 2017
-
Highlights
- •
-
Micro-spatial analyses were conducted using paired wearable camera and GPS data.
- •
-
Children are exposed to alcohol marketing on 85% of their visits to supermarkets.
- •
-
Existing legislation does not protect children from exposure to alcohol marketing.
- •
-
Micro-spatial analyses provide insight into health exposures in smaller spatial units.
Abstract
Background and aim
Exposure to alcohol marketing within alcohol retailers has been associated with higher rates of childhood drinking, brand recognition, and marketing recall. This study aimed to objectively measure children’s everyday exposure to alcohol marketing within supermarkets.
Method
Children aged 11–13 (n = 167) each wore a wearable camera and GPS device for four consecutive days. Micro-spatial analyses were used to examine exposures within supermarkets.
Results
In alcohol retailing supermarkets (n = 30), children encountered alcohol marketing on 85% of their visits (n = 78). Alcohol marketing was frequently near everyday goods (bread and milk) or entrance/exit.
Conclusion
Alcohol sales in supermarkets should be banned in order to protect children from alcohol marketing.