Your browser doesn't support javascript.
The 'sugar tax' in Bermuda: a mixed methods study of general population and key stakeholder perceptions.
Case, Kelsey K; Pineda, Elisa; Olney, Jack; Segal, Alexa Blair; Sassi, Franco.
  • Case KK; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK. k.case@imperial.ac.uk.
  • Pineda E; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.
  • Olney J; Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London, UK.
  • Segal AB; Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London, UK.
  • Sassi F; Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London, UK.
BMC Public Health ; 22(1): 1557, 2022 08 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2002145
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Taxes on discretionary foods and sugar-sweetened beverages have emerged as a strategy for health promotion. Between 2018-2019, the Bermuda government introduced a phased tax on imported sugar-sweetened beverages, confectionery, products containing cocoa and pure sugar, and eliminated import duties on select healthy food items. The aim of this study was to conduct an mixed methods evaluation of perceptions of the tax among the general population and key stakeholders.

METHODS:

We conducted a survey of the general population (N = 400), and semi-structured interviews with key informants (N = 14) from the government, food and beverage, and health sectors to understand awareness, acceptability, and perceived impact of the tax after implementation. Survey data was analysed using thematic analysis, summary statistics, and Chi-squared tests. Key informant interviews were analysed using the framework method.

RESULTS:

General population respondents had high awareness of the sugar tax (94%) but low awareness of the healthy food subsidy (32%). Most respondents (67%) felt the tax was not an appropriate way to motivate healthier consumption due to beliefs the tax would not be effective (44%), and because of the high price of healthy food (20%). However, nearly half (48%) reported consuming fewer taxed products, primarily for health reasons but also motivated by price increases. Key informants indicated there was high awareness but limited understanding of the tax policy. Informants expressed support for taxation as a health promotion strategy, conditional on policy implementation. The lack of clear price differentiation between taxed and un-taxed products and the absence of accompanying health education were key factors believed to affect the impact of the tax. No informants were aware of use of tax revenues for health purposes and tax revenue was reportedly re-directed to other priorities after implementation.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was high awareness, but limited acceptability of the Bermuda sugar tax as implemented. Clarity in the tax policy, appropriateness of the tax mechanism, and use of revenue in alignment with the tax aim are critical components for acceptance. The absence of complementary education and health promotion affected acceptance and may limit potential health impacts. The lessons learned in Bermuda can inform similar policies in other settings.
Subject(s)
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Sugars / Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Bermudas Language: English Journal: BMC Public Health Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12889-022-13945-9

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Sugars / Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Bermudas Language: English Journal: BMC Public Health Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12889-022-13945-9