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Sugar‐sweetened Beverage Tax and Potential Impact on Dental Caries in Thai Adults: An Evaluation Using the Group Model Building Approach
Author(s) -
Urwannachotima Nipaporn,
Hanvoravongchai Piya,
Ansah John Pastor
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.2546
Subject(s) - causal loop diagram , consumption (sociology) , sugar , tariff , consumption tax , population , psychological intervention , tax policy , environmental health , public economics , business , economics , medicine , computer science , system dynamics , tax reform , food science , ad valorem tax , international economics , nursing , chemistry , social science , artificial intelligence , sociology
Sugar‐sweetened beverage tax (SSB tax) has been proposed in Thailand in an attempt to reduce sugar content in beverages and sugar consumption among the Thai population. However, it is uncertain if the SSB tax will translate into lower sugar consumption and consequently improve dental caries. This paper aims to elicit and represent the complex dynamic relationships between SSB tax, sugar consumption, and dental caries in Thailand. A group model building approach, based on the systems modelling methodology of system thinking, was used to engage stakeholders to develop a causal loop diagram (causal map) to elucidate the dynamic interrelationships of SSB tax on sugar consumption and dental caries. The causal loop diagram identified seven balancing feedback loops and one reinforcing feedback loop. The balancing loops operate to reduce the prevalence of dental caries and the impact of SSB tax on SSB consumption, while the reinforcing loop operates to maintain the share of SSB consumption among the Thai population. The main insight from this study suggests that implementing SSB tax alone will not achieve the desired oral health outcomes, without combining it with other non‐tariff interventions—such as oral health education and improved access to oral health services. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.