Regulación de la publicidad de los establecimientos de atención para la salud: norma técnica No. 36-2019 / Regulation of advertising of health care establishments: technical standard No. 36-2019

El objetivo del documento es la regularización de la publicidad de los establecimientos de atención para la salud, así como la promoción de sus servicios, que se realizan en el territorio de Guatemala. Contiene además, las definiciones de los conceptos relacionados al tema principal, además de la infraestructura que deberá tener cada clínica, incluidos el equipo y recurso humano y técnico.

Analysis of the tobacco industry's interference in the enforcement of health warnings on tobacco products in Brazil / Análisis de la interferencia de la industria del tabaco en la implementación de advertencias sanitarias en los derivados del tabaco en Brasil / Análise da interferência da indústria do tabaco na implantação das advertências sanitárias nos derivados de tabaco no Brasil

Abstract: This article aims to analyze the relationship between the Brazilian government's adoption of a regulatory measure with a strong impact on the population and the opposition by invested interest groups. The methodology involves the analysis of official documents on the enforcement of health warnings on tobacco products sold in Brazil. In parallel, a search was conducted for publicly available tobacco industry documents resulting from lawsuits, with the aim of identifying the industry's reactions to this process. The findings suggest that various government acts were affected by direct interference from the tobacco industry. In some cases the interventions were explicit and in others they were indirect or difficult to identify. In light of the study's theoretical framework, the article provides original information on the Brazilian process that can be useful for government policymakers in the strategic identification of tobacco control policies.

Resumen: El propósito de este artículo es entender la relación que se establece entre la adopción por parte del gobierno de una medida reguladora, con un fuerte impacto en la población, y la reacción de grupos de interés contrarios. La metodología se aplica al estudio de documentos oficiales relacionados con la implementación de las advertencias sanitarias en los productos del tabaco comercializados en Brasil. Simultáneamente, se realizó una búsqueda de documentos a disposición pública sobre los resultados de litigios contra la industria del tabaco, con el objetivo de identificar las reacciones del sector en este proceso. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que varias acciones del gobierno sufrieron una interferencia directa de la industria del tabaco. En algunos casos las intervenciones eran explícitas y en otros eran indirectas o de difícil identificación. A la luz del marco referencial adoptado, se ha presentado información original sobre el proceso brasileño, que podrá ser útil para los gestores del gobierno en la identificación estratégica de políticas de control al tabaco.

O propósito deste artigo é entender a relação estabelecida entre a adoção pelo governo de uma medida reguladora com forte impacto na população e a reação de grupos de interesse contrários. A metodologia envolve o estudo de documentos oficiais relacionados à implementação das advertências sanitárias nos produtos de tabaco comercializados no Brasil. Em paralelo, realizou-se a busca de documentos da indústria do tabaco disponibilizados publicamente como resultado de ações de litígio, com o objetivo de identificar as reações do setor nesse processo. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que várias ações do governo foram permeadas pela interferência direta da indústria do tabaco. Em alguns casos as intervenções eram explícitas e em outros eram indiretas ou de difícil identificação. À luz do marco referencial adotado, informações originais sobre o processo brasileiro são apresentadas e poderão ser úteis aos gestores do governo na identificação estratégica de políticas de controle do tabaco.

¿Bueno para la salud? Un análisis de los requisitos de sustanciación científica en la regulación europea de las declaraciones de salud / Good for your health? An analysis of the requirements for scientific substantiation in European health claims regulation

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar los diferentes tipos de evidencia y la importancia relativa que les otorga la regulación europea de las declaraciones de salud, con el fin de analizar las consecuencias de estos requisitos de sustanciación científica para la protección de los consumidores. Material y métodos: Análisis cualitativo de los diferentes documentos en los que se expresa el proceso regulador, teniendo en cuenta las consecuencias de los criterios evidenciarios sobre el mercado de los alimentos funcionales y el comportamiento de los consumidores. Resultados: La regulación europea establece una jerarquía evidenciaria en la que las pruebas controladas aleatorizadas se convierten en una condición necesaria y suficiente para la autorización de las declaraciones de salud. Conclusiones: Hay más de un modo de proteger a los consumidores. Un estándar de prueba exigente los protege de información errónea sobre las consecuencias saludables de los alimentos funcionales, mientras que con un estándar más permisivo tienen a su disposición más información (aunque menos precisa) sobre consecuencias saludables.

Abstract: Objective: To identify the various types of evidence, as well as their relative importance in European health claims regulation, in order to analyze the consequences for consumer protection of the requirements for scientific substantiation in this regulation. Materials and methods: Qualitative analysis of various documents relevant to the regulatory process, particularly as to the implications of the standards of proof for the functional food market, as well as consumer behavior. Results: European regulation defines a hierarchy of evidence that turns randomized controlled trials into a necessary and sufficient condition for health claim authorizations. Conclusions: Consumer protection can be interpreted in different manners. High standards of proof protect consumers from false information about the health outcomes of functional foods, while lower standards lead to more, albeit less accurate information about such outcomes being available to consumers.

Tobacco and cancer: epidemiology and new perspectives of prevention and monitoring in Mexico / Tabaquismo: epidemiología y nuevas perspectivas de prevención y vigilancia en México

Abstract Tobacco smoking is causal risk factor of at least 16 different types of cancer. In Mexico, smoking causes 6 035 premature deaths annually of lung cancer and 5 154 from other types. Additionally, 16 408 new smoking- attributable cases are diagnosed, causing high costs in the Mexican health sector. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is the global strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by this risk factor. Four more cost-effective strategies to ensure the population benefit are: i) increase tobacco taxes, ii) create 100% smoke-free environments, iii) warn damage through health warnings with pictograms and iv) total ban of advertising and promotion. Mexico is call upon to implement with determination this comprehensive strategy to reduce cancer mortality and assuring the health population.

Resumen El tabaquismo es factor de riesgo causal de por lo menos 16 diferentes tipos de cáncer. En México, el tabaquismo causa anualmente 6 035 muertes prematuras por cáncer de pulmón y 5 154 por otros tipos de cáncer. Adicionalmente, se diagnostican 16 408 casos nuevos atribuibles a tabaco, provocando altos costos en el sector salud mexicano. El Convenio Marco de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para el Control del Tabaco (CMCT-OMS) es la estrategia global para reducir la morbimortalidad causada por este factor de riesgo. Son cuatro las estrategias más costoefectivas para garantizar el beneficio poblacional: i) incrementar los impuestos al tabaco, ii) crear ambientes 100% libres de humo de tabaco, iii) advertir los daños a través de advertencias sanitarias con pictogramas y iv) prohibición total de la publicidad. México está llamado a implementar, de manera decidida, esta estrategia integral para reducir la mortalidad por cáncer.

Inter-rater reliability of measures to characterize the tobacco retail environment in Mexico / Confiabilidad interobservador de las medidas para evaluar la publicidad del tabaco en los puntos de venta en México

Objective. To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of a data collection instrument to assess the tobacco retail environment in Mexico, after major marketing regulations were implemented. Materials and methods. In 2013, two data collectors independently evaluated 21 stores in two census tracts, through a data collection instrument that assessed the presence of price promotions, whether single cigarettes were sold, the number of visible advertisements, the presence of signage prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors, and characteristics of cigarette pack displays. We evaluated the inter-rater reliability of the collected data, through the calculation of metrics such as intraclass correlation coefficient, percent agreement, Cohen's kappa and Krippendorff's alpha. Results. Most measures demonstrated substantial or perfect inter-rater reliability. Conclusions. Our results indicate the potential utility of the data collection instrument for future point-of-sale research.

Objetivo. Evaluar la confiabilidad interobservador de un instrumento de recolección de datos para el entorno minorista de tabaco en México, después de que se implementaran fuertes regulaciones para su comercialización. Material y métodos. En 2013, se evaluaron de forma independiente 21 tiendas en dos áreas geoestadísticas básicas, a través de un instrumento de recolección de datos que evalúa la presencia de promociones, si se venden cigarrillos sueltos, el número de anuncios visibles, la presencia de la señalización que prohíbe la venta de cigarrillos a menores de edad, y las características de los exhibidores de cigarrillos. Se evaluó la fiabilidad interobservador de los datos recabados, a través del cálculo de métricas como el coeficiente de correlación intraclase, porcentaje de concordancia, kappa de Cohen y alfa de Krippendorff. Resultados. La mayoría de las variables observadas demostraron un nivel de confiabilidad interobservador sustancial. Conclusiones. Los resultados indican la utilidad potencial del instrumento de recolección de datos para la investigación futura.

A regulamentação da propaganda de alimentos no Brasil: convergências e conflitos de interesses / Regulation of food advertising in Brazil: convergence and conflicts of interest / La regulación de la publicidad de alimentos en Brasil: convergencias y conflictos de interés

O presente estudo objetivou desenvolver uma análise comparativa entre o documento proposto para regulamentar a publicidade de alimentos não saudáveis e de bebidas de baixo valor nutricional, levado à consulta pública em 2006, e a Resolução aprovada em 2010. A análise se pautou em dados provenientes de documentos legais referentes à regulamentação da propaganda de alimentos, na identificação dos atores-chave e dos argumentos que fundamentaram seus discursos. Verificou-se que a Resolução aprovada se apresenta menos detalhada e rigorosa sob o ponto de vista regulatório. Foram retiradas proibições e exigências sobre o formato, o conteúdo e os temas das propagandas de alimentos, em especial as voltadas ao público infantil. Faz-se necessário fortalecer a discussão sobre o que é a esfera pública, como ela se constrói, o que são interesses públicos e quais mecanismos e processos podem contribuir para garanti-los.

This study conducted a comparative analysis of a bill to regulate advertising for unhealthy food and beverages with low nutritional value, submitted to public hearings in 2006, and the Resolution passed in 2010. The analysis was based on data from official documents pertaining to food advertising, identification of key actors, and their underlying arguments. As approved, the Resolution is less detailed and rigorous from the regulatory perspective. The final documents removed bans and requirements on the format, content, and theme of food advertising, especially targeting children. Stronger discussion is needed on the constitution of the public arena, public interests, and the mechanisms and processes to help guarantee them.

El objetivo del estudio fue desarrollar un análisis comparativo entre el documento propuesto para regular la publicidad de alimentos poco saludables y bebidas de bajo valor nutricional, sobre el que se realizó una consulta pública en 2006, y la resolución adoptada al respecto en 2010. El análisis se basó en datos de documentos legales relacionados con la regulación de la publicidad de alimentos, identificación de los actores y argumentos fundamentales que guiaron sus discursos. Se encontró que la resolución adoptada se presenta menos detallada y exacta desde el punto de vista reglamentario. Se eliminaron las prohibiciones y requisitos sobre el formato, el contenido y los temas sobre publicidad de alimentos, especialmente los dirigidos a los niños. Es necesario fortalecer la discusión de lo que es la esfera pública, ya que se basa en cuáles son los intereses públicos y qué mecanismos y procesos pueden contribuir a garantizarlos.

Barreras y oportunidades para la regulación de la publicidad de alimentos y bebidas dirigida a niños en México / Barriers and opportunities for the regulation of food and beverage advertising to children in Mexico

Objetivos. Identificar barreras y oportunidades para la regulación de la publicidad de alimentos y bebidas para niños. Material y métodos. Estudio cualitativo. Se entrevistó a catorce informantes clave del ámbito legislativo, sector privado, funcionarios de la Secretaría de Salud y académicos involucrados en el tema de la regulación de la publicidad. Resultados. Barreras identificadas: concepción de la obesidad como problema individual, minimización de los efectos negativos sobre la salud, definición de la vulnerabilidad de la niñez acotada a su desarrollo cognitivo. Facilitadores: apoyo de varios sectores de la sociedad, a favor de la regulación, una amplia discusión científica acerca del tema, una experiencia exitosa similar con la industria del tabaco y sus lecciones. Conclusión. México cuenta con elementos clave para lograr una regulación eficaz de la publicidad.

Objective. To identify barriers and opportunities for the regulation of food and beverage advertising to children. Materials and methods. A qualitative study. Fourteen key informants from the congress, private sector, officials from the ministry of health and academics involved in the issue of regulation of advertising were interviewed. Results. Barriers identified: conception of obesity as an individual problem, minimization of the negative effects on health, definition of the vulnerability of children bounded to their cognitive development. Facilitators support from various sectors of society regulation, extensive scientific discussion on the subject, successful experience and its lessons on tabacco industry. Conclusion. Mexico has key elements for achieving effective regulation on advertising.

Leyes de violencia de género y sexismo publicitario: análisis comparativo de Argentina, España, Estados Unidos y México / Laws on gender violence and their effect on sexism in advertising: a comparative analysis of advertisements from Argentina, Mexico, Spain and the United States

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue valorar, a través de los anuncios publicitarios seleccionados de cuatro países -Argentina, España, Estados Unidos y México- el impacto de las normas sobre violencia de género en la incidencia del sexismo y los sesgos de género en la publicidad. MÉTODOS: Análisis de contenido de 163 anuncios: 69 españoles, 16 mexicanos, 50 argentinos y 28 estadounidenses. Para realizar el análisis se recabaron datos sobre la presencia de cuerpos desvinculados del producto promocionado, la presentación estereotípica de hombres y mujeres y los sesgos de género en las publicidades de Argentina, España, Estados Unidos y México. RESULTADOS: En relación con los estereotipos, (i) en los anuncios considerados de Argentina (P = 0,000), España (P = 0,000) y México (P = 0,011) se ubica preferentemente a los hombres frente a las mujeres en la esfera pública; (ii) hay más anuncios que muestran hombres que mujeres ejerciendo profesiones neutras (Argentina, P = 0,004; España, P = 0,000 y México, P = 0,025); y (iii) se los representa como trabajadores y usuarios en mayor proporción de anuncios que a las mujeres (P = 0,000) y ocupando el rol paternal en una proporción menor (P = 0,000). Con respecto a los sesgos, la visibilidad de los hombres es mayor que la de las mujeres en los cuatro países y solo en los anuncios españoles se encontraron diferencias significativas en la falta de paridad -los hombres "hacen" en más publicidades que las mujeres- (P = 0,014) y de empoderamiento (P = 0,045) -se muestran más anuncios con hombres que mujeres tomando decisiones. CONCLUSIONES: Aquellos países con normativas dirigidas a la comunicación para prevenir la violencia de género no tienen una publicidad menos sexista. Para analizar las relaciones entre leyes, sexismo y violencia de género se requiere una valoración diacrónica y rigurosa de los instrumentos construidos, así como su contrastación con otros indicadores culturales y sociales muchas veces difíciles de aislar.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of gender violence legislation on the incidence of sexism and gender bias in advertisements published in four countries: Argentina, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. METHODS: The study focused on the content of 163 advertisements: 69 from Spain, 16 from Mexico, 50 from Argentina, and 28 from the United States. Data were gathered on the presence of bodies not associated with the product being advertised, to study the stereotypical presentation of men and women and gender biases in advertisements in Argentina, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. RESULTS: The following stereotypical findings were observed: (i) men were shown in public places more often than women in the ads from Argentina (P = 0.000), Spain (P = 0.000), and Mexico (P = 0.011); (ii) men were shown more often than women practicing neutral professions in the ads from Argentina (P = 0.004), Spain (P = 0.000), and Mexico (P = 0.025); and (iii) men were shown more often than women as workers and users (P = 0.000) and less often than women in a parenting role (P = 0.000). With regard to biases, (i) men were given greater visibility than women in all four countries, and (ii) only in the ads from Spain were there significant differences in terms of parity, with men appearing more often in the ads than women (P = 0.014), and empowerment, with men shown making decisions more often than women; P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Those countries with legislation aimed at using communication to prevent gender violence do not have less sexism in their advertisements. To analyze the relationships between laws, sexism, and gender violence, it would be necessary to undertake a rigorous diachronic assessment of the instruments constructed and also to compare the results with other cultural and social indicators that are often difficult to isolate.

Avaliação da propaganda de medicamentos veiculada em emissoras de rádio / Evaluation of medication advertising broadcast on radio stations

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar propagandas de medicamentos veiculadas em emissoras de rádio em Natal (RN), Brasil, nos períodos de abril a setembro de 2008 e abril a setembro de 2010. As propagandas foram captadas, gravadas e transcritas para se efetuar uma análise legal e uma de conteúdo baseada nos preceitos de Laurence Bardin. Tanto as captadas no primeiro período (sob égide da RDC 102/00), quanto às do segundo (sob égide da RDC 96/08), apresentaram algum tipo de infração legal. A análise de conteúdo detectou, em ambos os períodos, praticamente os mesmos vícios como ausência de informações negativas sobre o medicamento, apelo ao consumo, exaltação da eficiência/eficácia e exploração abusiva de enfermidades. Apesar da mudança para uma legislação mais moderna e mais restritiva, as propagandas de medicamentos, no rádio, continuam a infringir frontalmente a legislação, cometendo abusos e desrespeitando o direito à saúde da população. O estudo aponta para a necessidade do tema propaganda de medicamentos ser tratado em um contexto mais amplo, ou seja, discutido como questão de saúde pública, considerando-se o cenário histórico-social em que se desenvolveu, uma vez que só a legislação não é suficiente para coibir abusos praticados em detrimento da saúde pública.

The scope of this paper was to evaluate advertising for medication broadcast on radio stations in Natal, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, from April to September 2008 and from April to September 2010. The advertising was recorded and transcribed in order to conduct legal analysis and content analysis based on the precepts of Laurence Bardin. Both the advertising recorded during the first stage (regulated by RDC 102/00) and the second stage (regulated by RDC 96/08) contained some form of legal violation. Content analysis detected practically the same violations in both stages, namely the lack of information regarding adverse effects of the medication, appeal to consumption, exaggeration of efficiency/effectiveness and abusive exploitation of illness. Despite the inclusion of more modern and restrictive legislation, radio advertising continues to violate the law blatantly, committing abuse and disrespecting the population's entitlement to good health. The study reveals the need for medication advertising to be dealt with in a broader context, in other words to be treated as a public health concern. It must take into consideration the socio-historical scenario in which it evolved, since the legislation alone is insufficient to combat abuse committed to the detriment of public health.

Hacia el consumo informado de tabaco en México: efecto de las advertencias con pictogramas en población fumadora / Towards informed tobacco consumption in Mexico: effect of pictorial warning labels in smokers

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de las advertencias sanitarias (AS) con pictogramas en las cajetillas de tabaco en adultos fumadores. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cohorte de fumadores con representatividad poblacional de siete ciudades mexicanas, antes (2010) y después (2011) de la implementación de AS con pictogramas (ASP). Para determinar el cambio en las variables sobre el impacto cognitivo y conductual de las advertencias, se estimaron modelos bivariados y ajustados de ecuaciones de estimación generalizada. En el segundo levantamiento (2011), se estimaron modelos para determinar los factores que se asocian con el reporte de recordar cada advertencia que había entrado al mercado, además de los factores asociados con el autorreporte del impacto de cada advertencia vigente. RESULTADOS: Se observaron incrementos importantes de 2010 a 2011 en los conocimientos sobre los riesgos de fumar, los componentes tóxicos del tabaco y el número telefónico para recibir consejos sobre dejar de fumar. La recordación e impacto de las primeras advertencias con pictogramas parecen ser amplios y equitativos a través de la población fumadora. En comparación con 2010, un mayor nivel de ex fumadores entrevistados en 2011 reportaron que las advertencias habían influido mucho en dejar de fumar (RM=2.44, 95% IC 1.27-4.72). CONCLUSIONES: Las AS con pictogramas han logrado un impacto importante en el conocimiento y conducta, información relevante para la población y en tomadores de decisiones.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of the first pictorial warning labels on cigarette packs in Mexican smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based representative cohort of smokers from seven Mexican cities was surveyed before (2010) and after (2011) the implementation of pictorial warning labels. To determine the change variables representing the cognitive and behavioral impact of pictorial warnings, bivariate and adjusted generalized estimating equations were estimated. Data from the second survey (2011) were analyzed to determine the factors associated with aided recall of specific pictorial warnings, as well as the factors associated with self-report of the impact that these warnings had. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2011, significant increases were found in smoker's knowledge about smoking risks, the toxic components of tobacco, and the quitline number for receiving cessation assistance. Recall and impact of specific pictorial warnings was generally broad and equally distributed across the smoker population. In comparison with recent ex-smokers interviewed in 2010, more recent ex-smokers in 2011 reported that pack warnings had influenced their decision to quit (RM=2.44, 95% IC 1.27-4.72). CONCLUSION: The first pictorial warning labels on cigarette packages in Mexico have had a significant impact on knowledge and behavior.

Impacto de las advertencias con pictogramas en las cajetillas de cigarrillos en México: resultados de una encuesta en fumadores de Guadalajara / Impact of cigarette package health warnings with pictures in Mexico: results from a survey of smokers in Guadalajara

OBJETIVO: Mostrar el efecto de las primeras advertencias sanitarias (AS) con pictogramas en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Encuesta transversal en una muestra representativa de 1 765 adultos fumadores de Guadalajara, México (2010). Se estimaron modelos logísticos para determinar la asociación entre el reconocimiento de las AS con pictogramas y las variables que indican el impacto de las mismas. RESULTADOS: 58% de la población indicó haber comprado una cajetilla con AS con pictogramas. Estos fumadores expuestos reportaron pensar con mayor frecuencia en los daños que causa fumar (34 contra 25% p=0.003) y pensar en dejar de fumar (23 contra 14% p=0.001). Se observó una mayor aceptación de las AS como medio para comunicar información importante al fumador (93 contra 87% p<0.001) así como mayor aceptación de que el gobierno comunica bien sobre los daños a la salud por fumar (68 contra 55% p<0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Las AS con pictogramas han logrado aumentar el conocimiento sobre los daños que provoca el tabaco. La recomendación es seguir desarrollando y mejorando esta intervención para coadyuvar a lograr una población informada de los riesgos del tabaco.

OBJETIVE: Evaluate the impact of the first pictorial health warning labels (HWLs) on cigarette packs in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 1 765 adult smokers from Guadalajara, Mexico, 2010. Logistic regression models were estimated to determine the association between recall of having purchased a pack with a pictorial HWL and psychosocial variables indicating their impact. RESULTS: 58% reported having purchased a pack with one of the pictorial HWLs, and these were considered the exposed population. Exposed smokers reported a greater frequency of thinking about smoking-related risks (34 vs. 25% p=0.003), and thinking about quitting smoking (23 vs. 14% p=0.001). Exposure to pictorial HWLs was also associated with a greater acceptability of HWLs as a means of communicating with smokers (93 vs. 87% p<0.001), as was the perception that the government communicates well about tobacco-related health risks (68 vs. 55% p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pictorial HWLs have made smokers think more about these risks and about quitting smoking. This policy should continue to be exploited as a cost-effective educational intervention.

Políticas de etiquetado en los paquetes de cigarrillos: situación actual en América Latina y el Caribe / Cigarette labeling policies: current situation in Latin America and the Caribbean

En 2002, Brasil se convirtió en el primer país de la región en implementar etiquetas de advertencias sanitarias con pictogramas en los paquetes de cigarrillos. Desde la adopción del CMCT de la OMS en 2005, otros nueve países adoptaron advertencias con pictogramas y seis más aprobaron legislación cuya implementación está pendiente. El contenido del mensaje y el estilo del pictograma varían entre los países. Diecisiete países prohibieron descriptores de marca y nueve requieren una advertencia cualitativa con información de constituyentes y emisiones. Un importante progreso se ha alcanzado en la región desde 2005. Sin embargo, los países ratificantes del CMCT aún no han implementado todas las recomendaciones de las Directrices del Artículo 11.

In 2002, Brazil became the first country in the region to implement pictorial health warning labels on cigarette packages. Since the adoption of the FCTC/WHO in 2005, nine more countries adopted pictorial labels and six passed legislation that is pending of implementation. The message content and the picture style vary across countries. Seventeen countries have banned brand descriptors and nine require a qualitative label with information on constituents and emissions. Since 2005, important progress has been achieved in the region. However, countries that have ratified the FCTC have not yet implemented all the recommendations of Article 11 Guidelines.

Tobacco industry success in Costa Rica: the importance of FCTC article 5.3 / El éxito de la industria tabacalera en Costa Rica: la importancia del artículo 5.3 del CMCT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze how the tobacco industry influenced tobacco control policymaking in Costa Rica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of tobacco industry documents, tobacco control legislation, newspaper articles, and interviewing of key informants. RESULTS: During the mid-to-late 1980s, Health Ministry issued several advanced (for their time) smoking restriction decrees causing British American Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris International (PMI) to strengthen their political presence there, resulting in passage of a weak 1995 law, which, as of August 2011, remained in effect. Since 1995 the industry has used Costa Rica as a pilot site for Latin American programs and has dominated policymaking by influencing the Health Ministry, including direct private negotiations with the tobacco industry which violate Article 5.3's implementing guidelines of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). CONCLUSIONS: The Costa Rica experience demonstrates the importance of vigorous implementation of FCTC Article 5.3 which insulates public health policymaking from industry interference.

OBJETIVO: Analizar cómo la industria tabacalera influyó en la formulación de las políticas de control del tabaco en Costa Rica. MATERIALS Y MÉTODOS: Revisión de documentos de la industria tabacalera, de la legislación costarricense de control del tabaco y de periódicos y entrevistas con informantes clave. RESULTADOS: Durante los años ochenta, el Ministerio de Salud aprobó varios decretos para restringir el consumo de tabaco, lo que causó que British American Tobacco y Philip Morris International fortalecieran su presencia política, cuyo resultado fue la promulgación de una ley débil en 1995 todavía vigente. Desde 1995 la industria tabacalera ha utilizado a Costa Rica como piloto para los programas latinoamericanos y ha dominado la formulación de políticas influenciando al Ministerio de Salud, incluyendo negociaciones privadas con la industria tabacalera en violación de las directrices del Artículo 5.3 del Convenio Marco para el Control de Tabaco (CMCT) de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. CONCLUSIÓN: La experiencia de Costa Rica demuestra la gran importancia que tiene la implementación del Artículo 5.3 del CMCT para proteger las políticas de la salud pública de la interferencia de la industria tabacalera.

Regulamentação da propaganda de alimentos infantis como estratégia para a promoção da saúde / Regulation of publicity for children's food as a strategy for promotion of health

As práticas alimentares da população brasileira vêm se alterando nas últimas décadas e a publicidade é um dos fatores que contribuem para esta situação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o conteúdo das propagandas de alimentos veiculadas na televisão e dirigidas a crianças, sob a ótica da regulação. As propagandas foram gravadas em fitas VHS de duas grandes emissoras de televisão, no período de férias escolares. Foram utilizadas técnicas de análise de conteúdo e definidas oito categorias de análise a partir do referencial teórico sobre as práticas alimentares e seus determinantes. Para subsidiar a análise utilizou-se a proposta de Regulamento Técnico da Anvisa. Foram contabilizadas 1018 propagandas, das quais foram selecionadas as 132 (12,9 por cento) que anunciavam alimentos dirigidos para as crianças, sendo identificados somente 12 produtos diferentes. De acordo com o Regulamento proposto, todas as propagandas analisadas infringiam pelo menos três artigos, entre os quais se destaca o 4º, Incisos III e VIb. É nítida a urgência do setor público de regular o conteúdo das propagandas de alimentos infantis, cujo consumo pode ser prejudicial à saúde devido à influência que exercem na decisão pela compra, tanto por parte das próprias crianças, quanto dos pais.

The eating habits of the Brazilian population have been changing in recent decades and publicity is one of the factors contributing to this situation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the content of food publicity broadcast on television and addressed to children, from the standpoint of regulation. The publicity broadcast on the two major television stations during the school holidays was recorded on VHS tapes. Content analysis techniques were used and eight categories of analysis were defined based on the theoretical benchmark of the eating habits and their determining factors. The proposal for a Technical Regulation of Anvisa was used to conduct this analysis. 1018 advertisements were recorded, of which 132 (12.9 percent) that advertised foods targeted at children were selected, but only 12 different products were identified. According to the proposed regulation, all the material analyzed violated no less than three articles, among which the 4th, Sections III and VIb stand out. The pressing need for government regulation of the content of food advertisements for children, the consumption of which can be harmful to health, is clearly apparent because of its influence on the decision to purchase, both by the children themselves, and their parents.

Regulación de la publicidad televisiva de alimentos para prevenir la obesidad infantil / Regulation of food advertising on television for the prevention of childhood obesity

La obesidad es una grave epidemia a nivel mundial y las estrategias aplicadas para su prevención han dado pobres resultados. Numerosos factores ambientales se han asociado al riesgo de obesidad y es importante que todos ellos sean considerados en las políticas de prevención. Se ha demostrado que existe un nexo entre la publicidad de alimentos en televisión con la obesidad infantil. La gran cantidad de anuncios publicitarios de alimentos poco saludables dirigidos a los niños a través de la televisión y las repercusiones que esto podría tener en la salud, ha llevado a algunos países a legislar al respecto. Sin embargo, falta definir a nivel internacional un marco conceptual de referencia que permita una legislación que logre un impacto real en la prevención de la obesidad infantil. Este trabajo revisa las evidencias científicas disponibles sobre la relación entre publicidad de alimentos y obesidad infantil como base para el desarrollo de políticas públicas de regulación del mercadeo de alimentos a través de la televisión.

Obesity is a serious global epidemic and the prevention strategies implemented have been insufficient. Numerous environmental factors have been associated with risk of obesity and their full consideration in prevention policies is important. The connection between food advertising on television and childhood obesity has been demonstrated. The large number of advertisements for unhealthy foods targeted at children through television and its possible impact on health has led some countries to legislate on this matter. However, a conceptual framework of reference enabling legislation must be internationally defined in order to achieve a real impact in preventing childhood obesity. This paper reviews scientific evidence on the relationship between food advertising and childhood obesity as a basis for developing public policies to regulate food marketing on television.

Ineficácia da autorregulamentação das propagandas de bebidas alcoólicas: uma revisão sistemática da literatura internacional / Inefficacy of self-regulation of alcohol advertisements: a systematic review of the literature

OBJETIVO: A literatura científica mais recente aponta que a publicidade de bebidas alcoólicas influencia o comportamento, particularmente o consumo precoce e em grandes quantidades por crianças e adolescentes. Da perspectiva da saúde pública, a publicidade de bebidas alcoólicas deve ser restringida. Em muitos países, assim como no Brasil, os limites são estabelecidos pela autorregulamentação (ou seja, controlados pela própria comunidade publicitária). Analisou-se na presente revisão o conjunto dos trabalhos publicados na literatura internacional sobre este tipo de controle. MÉTODO: Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática de trabalhos que investigaram a eficácia da autorregulamentação da publicidade de bebidas alcoólicas. A busca foi feita nas bases de dados Medline, SciELO, Camy e Google Scholar, entre 1991 e 2010, bem como pela técnica de "bola de neve" para a indicação dos principais autores no tema. Foram considerados para o presente propósito 11 artigos. DISCUSSÃO: O conjunto dos trabalhos obtidos aponta que a autorregulamentação da publicidade de bebidas alcoólicas é pouco eficaz, não cumprindo com os objetivos de evitar, por exemplo, publicidade direcionada às crianças e adolescentes. CONCLUSÃO: Outras medidas devem ser consideradas para o controle e a veiculação das propagandas de bebidas alcoólicas, tais como monitoramento independente e controle legal.

OBJECTIVE: The most recent scientific literature indicates that alcohol advertising influences behavior, particularly early and higher alcohol consumption by children and adolescents. From a public health perspective, alcohol advertising should be restricted. In many countries, as well as in Brazil, limits to alcohol advertising are established by industry self-regulation (e.g. controlled by the advertising community itself). We examined in this review all articles on the subject of industry self-regulation of alcohol advertising published in the international literature. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted on articles investigating the effectiveness of self-regulation of alcohol advertisings. The search was conducted in Medline, SciELO, Camy and Google Scholar, between the years of 1991 and 2010. In addition, the "snowball" technique for the indication of the main authors on the subject was employed. From the articles found, 11 focused on the subject discussed here. DISCUSSION: The set of articles obtained indicates that industry self-regulation of alcohol advertising does not show evidence of efficacy. In other words, such a regulation does not prevent, for instance, alcohol advertising directed at children and adolescents. CONCLUSION: Further measures should be considered for the control and the broadcast of alcohol advertising, such as independent monitoring, legal control.

Publicidad y promoción de medicamentos: regulaciones y grado de acatamiento en cinco países de América Latina / Drug advertising and promotion: regulations and extent of compliance in five Latin American countries

OBJETIVO: Analizar las distintas regulaciones sobre promoción de fármacos y su grado de acatamiento reflejado en piezas publicitarias expuestas al público en Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua y Perú. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron 683 piezas promocionales expuestas en establecimientos de salud, farmacias y en la vía pública, de las cuales 132 piezas seleccionadas al azar fueron objeto de análisis. Se examinaron las regulaciones sobre publicidad farmacéutica -incluidas sus coincidencias con los criterios éticos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS)- tomadas de los sitios web oficiales y mediante entrevistas con los responsables de los organismos regulatorios y ministerios de salud de los cinco países del estudio. Se evaluaron los contenidos de los materiales de la muestra para determinar su grado de acatamiento respecto a las regulaciones nacionales y las recomendaciones sobre promoción de medicamentos de la OMS. RESULTADOS: Los países cuentan con regulaciones que incorporan los criterios éticos de la OMS. Más de 80 por ciento de las piezas analizadas incluían las indicaciones del fármaco y más de 70 por ciento omitían información sobre efectos adversos. Cincuenta por ciento de los anuncios de medicamentos de venta libre (MVL) expuestos en farmacias incluían indicaciones no aprobadas por la autoridad sanitaria correspondiente. En los anuncios expuestos en farmacias, no se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los riesgos de la información inadecuada con relación a su condición de venta (MVL o medicamentos de venta con prescripción médica). El riesgo relativo de ausencia de información sobre posología fue de 2,08 (intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento 1,32-3,39) en las piezas distribuidas en farmacias, comparadas con las expuestas en establecimientos de salud. CONCLUSIONES: Si bien en general los cinco países del estudio incorporan en sus regulaciones sobre promoción y publicidad de medicamentos las recomendaciones de la OMS, con frecuencia dichas ordenanzas no se reflejan en los contenidos de las piezas promocionales.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze differing regulations regarding drug promotion, and the extent of compliance as seen in samples of advertising directed to the public in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Peru. METHODS: A total of 683 pieces of promotional material on display in health facilities, pharmacies, and on the street were collected, 132 of which were randomly selected for analysis. The regulations governing pharmaceutical advertising, taken from official websites and interviews with regulatory officials and Ministry of Health staff in the five countries covered, were reviewed, along with their adherence to the ethical criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). The contents of the materials in the sample were evaluated to determine their degree of compliance with national regulations and WHO recommendations on drug promotion. RESULTS: The countries have regulations incorporating WHO ethical criteria. Over 80 percent of the material analyzed included the indications for the drug, while over 70 percent omitted information on adverse effects. Fifty percent of the advertisements for overthe-counter (OTC) drugs on display in pharmacies listed indications not approved by the relevant health authority. In advertising in pharmacies, the risks from inadequate information were not found to differ significantly for OTC or prescription medications. Compared with materials provided in health facilities, the relative risk of the absence of information on dosage in the material distributed in pharmacies was 2.08 (confidence interval 95 percent 1.32-3.39). CONCLUSIONS: Although regulations on drug promotion and advertising in the five countries studied generally incorporate the WHO recommendations, promotional materials often fail to reflect the fact.

Controle sanitário da propaganda de bebidas alcoólicas no Brasil: estudo dos projetos de lei de 1988 a 2004 / Sanitary control of alcohol advertisement in Brazil: a study of the law bills from 1988 to 2004

Este estudo analisa as propostas de projetos de lei para o controle sanitário da propaganda de bebidas alcoólicas nos meios de comunicação de massa, apresentados ao Congresso Nacional entre 1988 e 2004. Inserido em um debate de natureza ético-política, o controle sanitário dessa propaganda é uma questão controversa, pois os interesses pela proteção da saúde se confrontam com os interesses comerciais mesmo ante as evidências científicas de que o consumo crescente de álcool é um problema social e de saúde no mundo contemporâneo. Realizou-se a análise de conteúdo de 67 documentos, na qual se mostra que as propostas formuladas, majoritariamente, apresentam-se como estratégias de enfrentamento a essa propaganda, procurando desvincular valores associados ao produto que interferem na construção da identidade social de crianças e adolescentes e limitar o conteúdo das mensagens veiculadas nos meios de comunicação de massa, dado que este segmento está mais vulnerável. O estudo evidencia complexos desafios para o controle da propaganda, que implicam repensar a própria atuação do Estado ante esse relevante problema de Saúde Pública.

This study analyses law bills towards the sanitary control of alcohol advertisement in the mass media presented to the Brazilian Congress from 1988 to 2004. The sanitary control of this advertising is a controversial issue bringing about an ethical-political debate in which the health-protecting interests conflict with commercial ones even after scientific evidence has established increasing alcohol intake as a health and social issue worldwide. The content analysis of 67 of such law bills was carried out, and these proposals were shown to consist mostly of strategies to both cope with alcohol advertising by dissociating from the product those values that might interfere with the children and teenagers' building of their social identity and limit advertisement contents in the mass media given the higher vulnerability of the subjects in that age range. This study reveals complexes challenges for the control of alcohol advertisement that in turn lead to rethinking the action of the State apparatus in dealing with this major public health issue.