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Public acceptability of public health policy to improve population health: A populationābased survey
Bellis, Mark A. Hughes, Karen Di Lemma, Lisa
Bellis, Mark A.
Hughes, Karen
Di Lemma, Lisa
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Abstract
Background: For public health policies to be effective, it is critical that they are acceptable
to the public as acceptance levels impact success rate.
Objective: To explore public acceptance of public health statements and examine
differences in acceptability across socio-demographics, health behaviours (physical
activity, diet, binge drinking and smoking), health status and well-being.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a nationally representative
sample (N = 1001) using a random stratified sampling method. Face-to-face interviews
were conducted at homes of residents in Wales aged 16+ years. Individuals
reported whether they agreed, had no opinion, or disagreed with 12 public health
statements.
Results: More than half of the sample were supportive of 10 out of 12 statements.
The three statements with the greatest support (>80% agreement) reflected the importance
of: a safe and loving childhood to becoming a healthy adult, schools teaching
about health, and healthier foods costing less. Individuals who engaged in unhealthy
behaviours were less likely to agree with some of the statements (eg 39.8% of binge
drinkers agreed alcohol adverts should be banned compared to 57.6% of those who
never binge drink; P < .001).
Conclusions: Findings show an appetite for public health policies among the majority
of the public. The relationship between supporting policies and engaging in healthy
behaviours suggests a feedback loop that is potentially capable of shifting both public
opinion and the opportunities for policy intervention. If a nation becomes healthier,
this could illicit greater support for stronger policies which could encourage more
people to move in a healthier direction.
Citation
Sharp, C. A., Bellis, M. A., Hughes, K., Ford, K., & Di Lemma, L. C. (2020). Public acceptability of public health policy to improve population health: A populationābased survey. Health Expectations, 23(4), 802-812.
Publisher
Wiley
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Health Expectations
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Article
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1369-7625