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. 2024 Dec 18;24(1):1587.
doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-12087-5.

Stakeholder analysis of banning unhealthy product advertisement in Iran

Marziyeh Najafi  1 , Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad  1 , Mohammad Arab  2
Affiliations

Stakeholder analysis of banning unhealthy product advertisement in Iran

Marziyeh Najafi et al. BMC Health Serv Res. .

Abstract

Background: The advertising of unhealthy products, including unhealthy foods, drugs with abuse potential, certain cosmetic products and services, and tobacco, has raised significant public health concerns due to its role in increasing consumption and contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases. Policy development and enforcement in this area necessitate an in-depth analysis of the relevant stakeholders. This study aims to examine the stakeholders involved in regulating the advertisement of unhealthy products in Iran, providing critical evidence for shaping advertising regulations and reducing the societal consumption of such products.

Methods: This qualitative study, conducted in 2022, involved 18 experts experienced in the area of unhealthy product advertisement in Iran. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods. The stakeholders' roles, power, positions, and interests were analyzed using Schmeer's guidelines.

Results: 17 stakeholders were identified as relevant to the ban on unhealthy product advertisements, of whom 14 were classified as active and three as inactive. Key stakeholders included radio and television broadcasters, the Ministries of Health, Culture, and Industry, as well as political institutions. The Ministry of Health (MOHME) emerged as a leading advocate for the ban, while the Ministries of Culture and Industry, along with political institutions, were identified as possessing significant power with moderate support for the policy. In contrast, broadcasters and social media platforms were powerful opponents of the ban.

Conclusions: The study underscores the pivotal role of stakeholders with high power and medium interest in the success of policies aimed at banning unhealthy product advertisements. Key challenges included conflicts of interest, insufficient penalties for organizations violating advertising regulations, organizational disputes, limited human and financial resources, lack of clear implementation guidelines, weak community engagement, and inadequate oversight. Engaging key stakeholders effectively could mitigate these obstacles and facilitate more effective health policy interventions in the future.

Keywords: Advertisement; Banning; Stakeholders; Unhealthy products.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was conducted as a part of the thesis to obtain a PhD degree in healthcare services management Faculty of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Study counducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Iran and all procedures involving research study participants were approved by the [the ethics committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (ethics code: IR.TUMS.SPH.REC.1398.226)]. Informed consent was witnessed and formally recorded from all interviewees. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Research process
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diagram of the stakeholders involved in banning the advertising of unhealthy products in Iran
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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