Nigel Lambert, Louise A. Dibsdall and Lynn J. Frewer
Encouraging the UK public to quit smoking has been a public health feature for over a century to a greater or lesser degree. Persuading people to consume five or more portions of…
Abstract
Encouraging the UK public to quit smoking has been a public health feature for over a century to a greater or lesser degree. Persuading people to consume five or more portions of fruits and vegetables is a far newer health policy, with a history of only some ten years. The article compares the established anti‐smoking campaign with that of the fledgling “five‐a‐day” campaign to discover what, if anything, the latter can learn from the former, and what the future prospects may be for improving food choice. The two campaigns are compared in terms of the quality of health message and the environmental pressures adopted to facilitate the desired health behaviour. Motivation issues and the need to engage the public more were also seen as key campaign factors.
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Cathy Daborn, Louise Dibsall and Nigel Lambert
“Male” and “low‐income” are both risk factors for eating a nutritionally sub‐standard diet. The aim of the study was to explore the attitudes and experiences of typical low‐income…
Abstract
Purpose
“Male” and “low‐income” are both risk factors for eating a nutritionally sub‐standard diet. The aim of the study was to explore the attitudes and experiences of typical low‐income males towards food and health. Information would build upon that previously obtained from a matched group of women, providing the opportunity to explore possible gender issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was used to meet the study aims. Face‐to‐face, in‐depth interviews were conducted in 2001 with eleven middle‐aged men who were typical of a substantial low‐income sub‐group. Interviews focussed upon the issues of cancer prevention and fruits and vegetables. Transcripts were analysed using an established interpretative phenomenological approach.
Findings
Previous life‐experiences and control beliefs concerning personal health were key themes influencing dietary attitudes and behaviours. Lack of food/health information and access to healthy foods were not significant factors. Although money was limiting, this in itself, did not prevent the men from eating appropriately. Core findings were similar (with certain exceptions) to those reported previously for a comparable group of women.
Research limitations/implications
Further studies are needed to test the transferability of these findings to low‐income men of different age, region and ethnicity, as well as to more affluent men.
Practical implications
Greater emphasis on sociological frameworks is needed in both the setting of public health nutrition policies and in how food and nutrition is taught in schools. The potential dangers of stigmatising “the poor” as consumers of “bad” diets should be considered.
Originality/value
Simplistic statistical correlations do not adequately explain the complex causes of unhealthy diets and a greater emphasis upon social and cultural dynamics is required.