Background: Low health literacy and increased sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption are two broad public health concerns facing the United States. For example, it is estimated that 90 million Americans have insufficient literacy skills (IOMC, 2004) and low health literacy is associated with poorer health outcomes (Berkman et. al., 2011). Furthermore, SSBs contribute about 80% of added sugars in the diet (Nielsen & Popkin, 2004) and have been associated with poor health outcomes, including obesity, type II diabetes, bone fractures, dental caries, and coronary heart disease. Despite these findings, there is limited research related to how to effectively decrease SSB intake among adults. Additionally, there have been few studies investigating health literacy interventions that target health behaviors in community settings (Allen et.al, 2011). Objective: As guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and constructs of health literacy, this 5-week, 2-arm randomized controlled pilot trial, used mixed methods to examine the effects of an intervention to decrease SSB (SipSmartER), as compared to a matched-contact control condition targeting physical activity (Move More). The primary aims of this pilot project were to evaluate participant's feedback through process and summative evaluation as well as evaulate intervention content and/or delivery through process evaluation by staff tracking for quality improvements. Secondary aims included the assessment of changes in theorized mediating variables and health behaviors among participants. Methods: Twenty-five participants (mean age = 42±14 years, mean BMI = 34.3±7.5 kg/m₂, 19 females, 12 African Americans, 9 (high school education) residing in Roanoke, VA were randomized to either SipSmartER (n=14) or Move More (n=11) to begin the 5-week intervention. Inclusion criteria consisted of participants being 18 years of age or older, English speaking, consuming greater than 200 kcal/day of SSB, and being without medical conditions in which physical activity would be contraindicated. Both 5-week interventions included two interactive small group sessions (Weeks 1 & 5) and three support telephone calls (Weeks 2, 3 & 4). Pre-post data was obtained using previously validated instruments including Beverage Intake Questionnaire (Bev-Q), Theory of Planned Behavior constructs addressing SSB and physical activity, media literacy, subjective numeracy, Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item (L-CAT), and quality of life. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression models were used in data analysis. Results: Although SSB consumption decreased more among the SipSmartER participants (-257±622.6 kcal/day) than Move More (-200±404.6 kcal/day) there were no significant group by time differences. However, among all participants, changes in TPB constructs significantly predicted changes in SSB (R²=0.592; F=2.485; p=0.080) and physical activity behaviors (R2=0.621; F=2.813; p=0.056). Participant and staff feedback were very positive, ranging from 4.2-5.0 on a 5-point likert scale that included questions about intervention organization, flow, effectiveness, engagement, and enjoyment. Favorite themes that emerged with SipSmartER participants when asking about small group sessions included, realizing how much sugar is found in SSBs, understanding the health risks associated with drinking too much sugar, realizing how much sugar was being consumed during the day, and learning about better alternatives. Conclusion: Findings suggest promise for the piloted intervention to reduce SSB consumption through targeted TPB and health literacy strategies. This pilot study has allowed further refinement and execution of a larger trial that includes a larger sample and longer study duration (i.e. 6-months) and follow-up period (i.e. 18-months). / Master of Science

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objective: The purpose of the present study is to empirically examine the relationship between brand-level alcohol advertising and alcohol consumption in South Africa. The effect that price has on alcohol consumption is also investigated in the analysis. Method: Using secondary quantitative time series data that include observations of brand-level sales volume, segment volume, brand-level market share, brand-level retail selling price (RSP) and brand-level advertising expenditure (spanning a 32 month period), statistical techniques such as tests for stationarity and co-integration were conducted to assess the association between the various constructs. Results: It was found that between January 2007 and August 2009, a period that included an economic downturn, own-brand advertising had little or no effect on brand-level sales volume (or consumption), segment sales volume and brand level market share. Conversely, price had a significant effect on sales volume, explaining between 48% and 56% of the variation in sales volume at brand-level and between 21% and 31% of the variation in brand-level market share. Conclusion: The results suggest that brand-level advertising has no significant immediate effect on consumption levels in the South African liquor industry, while the price of alcoholic beverages does have a significant immediate effect.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Central Florida, 2009. / Adviser: Ty Matejowsky. Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-39).

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 145-150).

Thesis (M.N.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, School of Nursing, 2001. / Typescript. Bibliography: leaves 91-97.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

There are many different types of non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) available in the United States today compared to a decade ago. Additionally, the needs of beverage consumers have evolved over the years centering attention on functionality and health dimensions. These trends in volume of consumption are a testament to the growth in the NAB industry. Our study pertains to ten NAB categories. We developed and employed a unique cross-sectional and time-series data set based on Nielsen Homescan data associated with household purchases of NAB from 1998 through 2003. First, we considered demographic and economic profiling of the consumption of NAB in a two-stage model. Race, region, age and presence of children and gender of household head were the most important factors affecting the choice and level of consumption. Second, we used expectation-prediction success tables, calibration, resolution, the Brier score and the Yates partition of the Brier score to measure the accuracy of predictions generated from qualitative choice models used to model the purchase decision of NAB by U.S. households. The Yates partition of the Brier score outperformed all other measures. Third, we modeled demand interrelationships, dynamics and habits of NAB consumption estimating own-price, cross-price and expenditure elasticities. The Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System, the synthetic Barten model and the State Adjustment Model were used. Soft drinks were substitutes and fruit juices were complements for most of non-alcoholic beverages. Investigation of a proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages revealed the importance of centering attention not only to direct effects but also to indirect effects of taxes on beverage consumption. Finally, we investigated factors affecting nutritional contributions derived from consumption of NAB. Also, we ascertained the impact of the USDA year 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans associated with the consumption of NAB. Significant factors affecting caloric and nutrient intake from NAB were price, employment status of household head, region, race, presence of children and the gender of household food manager. Furthermore, we found that USDA nutrition intervention program was successful in reducing caloric and caffeine intake from consumption of NAB. The away-from-home intake of beverages and potential impacts of NAB advertising are not captured in our work. In future work, we plan to address these limitations.

by Sylvia Chun Mei Chan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-114). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Chapter I. --- CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter i) --- Research Problems / Chapter ii) --- Rationale of the Research / Chapter iii) --- Objectives / Chapter II. --- CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.11 / Chapter i) --- Generalized Female Vulnerability Thesis / Chapter ii) --- Biological Factor / Chapter iii) --- Cultural Factor / Chapter iv) --- Motivational Factor / Chapter v) --- Situational Factor / Chapter III. --- CHAPTER THREE: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK --- p.33 / Chapter i) --- The First Model / Chapter ii) --- The Second Model / Chapter iii) --- The Third Model / Chapter IV. --- CHAPTER FOUR: DATA AND METHOD --- p.51 / Chapter i) --- Sample and Data Collection / Chapter ii) --- Measurements of Variables / Chapter iii) --- Profile of Respondents / Chapter ix) --- Analytical Strategy / Chapter V. --- CHAPTER FIVE: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION --- p.65 / Chapter i) --- The Whole Sample / Chapter ii) --- The Current Drinkers Sample / Chapter VI. --- CHAPTER SIX: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION --- p.81 / Chapter i) --- Implications of the Results / Chapter ii) --- Limitations of the Study / Chapter iii) --- Suggestions for Future Research / Chapter iv) --- Social Reflection / Chapter VII. --- BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.105 / Chapter VIII. --- FIGURES --- p.i-vi / Chapter IX. --- TABLES --- p.vii-xxiv

published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Virginia, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 168-181) and index.