Advertising and availability of 'obesogenic' foods around New Zealand secondary schools: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the extent and content of outdoor food advertisements and food availability from outlets in the vicinity of secondary schools.


METHODS
The sample of schools (n=10) was randomly selected from a sample frame of schools in both an urban and rural region (Wellington and Wairarapa regions respectively) and at each extreme of the socioeconomic status (SES) distribution (based on school characteristics). An area of 1-km radius around the schools was examined for food and non-food product advertisements and shops/outlets.


RESULTS
Out of 1408 outdoor advertisements for products, 61.5% were for food (i.e. 28 per square kilometre). The major categories were soft drinks (21.6%), frozen confectionary (16.2%), savoury snacks (11.4%), and alcohol (8.1%). Overall, 70.2% of food advertisements were for foods classified as 'unhealthy' (i.e. inconsistent with the national nutritional guidelines for adolescents). A majority of the 224 outlets sold food (i.e. 56.3%). Those that primarily sold food were (on average) closer than other outlets to the secondary schools (p=0.03). Out of those schools that sold meals, the proportion of these that advertised a salad option was significantly lower in the low SES neighbourhoods (p=0.006). Other significantly different patterns for food outlet distribution, and category of advertised food were found by SES and rurality.


CONCLUSIONS
Although only a pilot study, the information obtained suggests that food advertising and food outlets are prevalent in the vicinity of secondary schools and that the advertising is generally not compatible with nutritional guidelines for adolescents. Larger studies into such advertising are needed as well as consideration of policy options to control aspects of the 'obesogenic environment.'
Maher
Anthony
A
Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington. mahan560@student.otago.ac.nz
Wilson
Nick
N
Signal
Louise
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000329:Advertising / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D004777:Environment; D019649:Food Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012424:Rural Population; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population