Abstract:
Aim The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between school level socioeconomic deprivation and the density of unhealthy food advertising in the areas surrounding a selection of Auckland schools. Methods A literature search was conducted to examine research evidencing the relationship between unhealthy food advertising and deprivation level. The sample included 60 Auckland schools. Data on outdoor unhealthy food advertisements in the area of 500m around each school, was collected through photographic images. The school decile rating was used to define the schools’ level of socioeconomic deprivation. Data analysis involved categorizing images based on the number of advertisements as well as the number of foods advertised - in cases where multiple foods were advertised. Results The results of this study showed that there is a higher proportion of unhealthy food advertising surrounding the lowest decile schools, when compared to the highest decile schools. However, these findings were not statistically significant p=0.13 for unhealthy food advertisements and p=0.077 for unhealthy foods advertised. Other variables of interest included: food type advertised, alcohol, premium offers and mode of advertising, which when compared by school decile rating showed reflected a difference in overall numbers for higher and lower decile schools. Conclusion The findings of this study reflected higher overall numbers for unhealthy food advertising and unhealthy foods advertised for lowest compared with highest decile schools. The correlation found between unhealthy food advertising and deprivation level was however not significant. Government legislation restricting unhealthy food advertising in areas proximal to schools combined with multi-factoral initiatives to improve the school food environment and children’s diet quality would be an effective strategy in reducing childhood obesity in New Zealand.