Exploring perceptions of the Mexican sugar-sweetened beverage tax among adolescents in north-west Mexico: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore awareness and perceptions of the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax implemented in Mexico in 2014 among a sample of Mexican adolescents, and to investigate how the tax has affected their purchases and intake of SSB.DesignQualitative.SettingSemi-structured interviews were conducted in April–May 2016. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.SubjectsAdolescents residing in north-west Mexico (n29, 55·2 % females), aged 15–19 years.ResultsFour main themes emerged: awareness of taxation; perceptions of how the tax has affected SSB intake; reasons why the tax was not perceived to have affected SSB intake; and preferences for substitution of the taxed SSB. Participants were mostly unaware of the tax and perceived that it would not cause reductions in their intake of SSB; they felt that the price increase was low and insufficient to affect intake. Taste preferences and ‘addiction’ to SSB were highlighted as the main reasons why participants perceived taxation would not affect intake. If SSB prices were to increase further via a higher tax, participants would consider substituting SSB with other beverages, namely home-made drinks (e.g. 100 % fruit juices), non-caloric, instant-flavoured drinks and water.ConclusionsThese findings provide important insights into the views of this sample of Mexican adolescents regarding the taxation of SSB, by pointing out several possible limitations of the tax policy in Mexico. These results could inform the design of future interventions directed at Mexican youth that would complement and strengthen the current SSB taxation.

The role of the home environment in sugar-sweetened beverage intake among northern Mexican adolescents: a qualitative study

“…A16). Detailed information on the design, recruitment and data collection can be found elsewhere (Ortega-Avila et al 2018). In brief, 391 adolescents who had taken part in a previous crosssectional study assessing SSB intake (unpublished results) were contacted again, this time in order to participate in an interview.…”

“…Interviews lasted an average of 35 min (range: 27-50 min). Different topics regarding SSB intake were discussed, including SSB intake in different contexts, such as home and out-of-home, as well as perceptions of the current SSB taxation (Ortega-Avila et al 2018). The semi-structured interview guide (translated into English) is presented in Table 1, and the Spanish version is presented in Supplementary Material online, Appendix 1.…”

Awareness and perceptions regarding taxation and health warnings related to sugar-sweetened beverages and the factors associated with these among visitors of a general out-patient clinic in Bhopal, India

“…The lack of awareness about the taxes on SSBs has also been documented in other studies. [ 20 ] In India, the GST (Goods and Service Tax) for SSBs ranges from 5%–28%, where generally, most milk-based SSBs are taxed at 5%, fruit juice-based SSBs at 12%, some others at 18%, and aerated water-based SSBs are taxed at 28%. [ 17 ] In 2015, the government of India was working on a proposal which had a recommendation of 40% “sin/demerit” GST for SSBs, but this was opposed by top industries which market SSBs.…”

Impact of tax and subsidy framed messages on high- and lower-sugar beverages sold in vending machines: a randomized crossover trial

“…Fixation to some SSB was mentioned to be akin to addiction by the American students overwriting knowledge of negative health impacts from consuming the beverages [ 64 ]. Similarly, in a qualitative study conducted in Mexican adolescents, most participants perceived a ~ 10% SSB tax to be ineffective in reducing their families’ or their own SSB intake due to the tax being too small to overcome SSB ‘addiction’ and taste preference [ 65 ]. The participants felt that the existing tax would only affect lower socio-economic status individuals’ SSB intake, and their own intakes will only be affected if the tax was higher.…”