AJPM-NOW: July 2018

July 2018

From the Editor-in-Chief

Dear AJPM reader,

The role of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in contributing to the obesity epidemic, especially in children, is an area of increasing scholarly interest. Research has shown that the factors contributing to SSB purchase and consumption encompass far more than just personal willpower and instead extend to the laws, policies, and marketing which may encourage greater SSB intake. Yet, disagreements remain in the public health community as to how prescriptive policies aimed at reducing SSB consumption should be as they may infringe on individual choice. Two articles in this month’s AJPM explore different aspects of the issue:

The Short-Term Impacts of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax on Beverage Consumption .

Zhong Y, Auchincloss AH, Lee BK, Kanter GP.

The city of Philadelphia implemented a tax on beverages sweetened with sugar and sugar-substitutes. The authors found that within two months of tax implementation, regular soda and energy drink consumption was 40% and 64% lower, respectively, and bottled water consumption was 58% higher.

Increases in Sugary Drink Marketing During Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefit Issuance in New York .

Moran AJ, Musicus A, Gorski Findling MT, Brissette IF, Lowenfels AA, Subramanian SV, Roberto CA.

An analysis of store beverage promotions in three cities in New York revealed that in census tracts with high Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment, the odds of a retailer having sugar-sweetened beverage displays were 4.35 times higher during SNAP issuance days compared with non-issuance days.

We hope you enjoy these and other articles in our July issue .

Yours in prevention and health,

Matthew L. Boulton, MD, MPH

Editor-in-Chief

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

@AJPM_Editor

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Editor's Choice

Association Between Number of Preventive Care Guidelines and Preventive Care Utilization by Patients.

Taksler GB, Pfoh ER, Stange KC, Rothberg MB.

The number of preventive care guidelines is rapidly increasing, yet this study found low preventive care utilization rates were associated with a higher number of guideline-recommended services.

Spotlight Article

Active School Travel Intervention Methodologies in North America: A Systematic Review.

Buttazzoni AN, Van Kesteren ES, Shah TI, Gilliland JA.

This systematic review used the Safe Routes to School Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering, Equity, and Evaluation (“6 E’s”) framework to analyze North American school travel interventions.