Advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages around primary and junior high schools in Ghana's most urbanized and populous region

• Authors: Gideon Senyo Amevinya, University of Ghana; Stefanie Vandevijvere, Service of Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases; Bridget Kelly, University of Wollongong; Seth Kwaku Afagbedzi, University of Ghana; Richmond Aryeetey, University of Ghana; Akosua Pokua Adjei, University of Ghana; Wilhemina Quarpong, Emory University; Akua Tandoh, University of Ghana; Silver Nanema, University of Ghana; Charles Agyemang, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC); Francis Zotor, University of Health and Allied Sciences; Matilda E Laar, University of Ghana; Kobby Mensah, University of Ghana; Dennis Laryea, Ghana Health Service; Gershim Asiki, African Population and Health Research Center; Michelle Holdsworth, (Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD); Amos Laar, University of Ghana
• Journal Title: Frontiers in Public Health
• Volume: Volume 10
• Publisher: Frontiers Media | 2022-09-23
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.917456
• Subjects: Biology, Biostatistics
• Keywords: food environments; food advertising; unhealthy foods; schools; children; Ghana

Abstract

The advertising of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and beverages is a common feature in obesogenic food environments. Such advertising, within and around settings where children live, learn, and play, negatively affects their food acquisition and consumption. We examined the extent and nature of food and beverage advertising around primary and junior high schools in Ghana's most populous and urbanized region, Greater Accra.