The SPECTRUM Consortium: a new UK Prevention Research Partnership consortium focussed on the commercial determinants of health, the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and the reduction of health inequalities
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: The main causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health inequalities and health inequity include consumption of unhealthy commodities such as tobacco, alcohol and/or foods high in fat, salt and/or sugar. These exposures are preventable, but the commodities involved are highly profitable. The economic interests of ‘Unhealthy Commodity Producers’ (UCPs) often conflict with health goals but their role in determining health has received insufficient attention. In order to address this gap, a new research consortium has been established. This open letter introduces the SPECTRUM ( S haping P ublic h E alth poli C ies T o R educe ineq U alities and har M) Consortium: a multi-disciplinary group comprising researchers from 10 United Kingdom (UK) universities and overseas, and partner organisations including three national public health agencies in Great Britain (GB), five multi-agency alliances and two companies providing data and analytic support. Through eight integrated work packages, the Consortium seeks to provide an understanding of the nature of the complex systems underlying the consumption of unhealthy commodities, the role of UCPs in shaping these systems and influencing health and policy, the role of systems-level interventions, and the effectiveness of existing and emerging policies. Co-production is central to the Consortium’s approach to advance research and achieve meaningful impact and we will involve the public in the design and delivery of our research. We will also establish and sustain mutually beneficial relationships with policy makers, alongside our partners, to increase the visibility, credibility and impact of our evidence. The Consortium’s ultimate aim is to achieve meaningful health benefits for the UK population by reducing harm and inequalities from the consumption of unhealthy commodities over the next five years and beyond.
Source: Wellcome Open Research
Authors: Marie Horton, Parvati R. Perman-Howe, Colin Angus, Julie Bishop, Ilze Bogdanovica, Alan Brennan, John Britton, Leonie S. Brose, Jamie Brown, Jeff Collin, Martin Dockrell, Niamh Fitzgerald, Sharon Friel, Duncan Gillespie, Anna B. Gilmore, Sarah E. Hill, Cecile Knai, Tessa Langley, Sancha Martin, Ann McNeill, Graham Moore, Marcus R. Munafò, Rachael L. Murray, Magdelena Opazo Breton, Jamie Pearce, Mark Petticrew, Garth Reid, Deborah Robson, Harry Rutter, Lion Shahab, Niamh Shortt, Katherine Smith, Keith Syrett, Linda Bauld
Institutions: Public Health England, King's College London, University of Sheffield, Public Health Wales, University of Nottingham, UK Centre for Tobacco & Alcohol Studies, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Stirling, Australian National University, University of Bath, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Cardiff University, University of Bristol, MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Public Health Scotland, University of Strathclyde
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,128
Funders: Pfizer, Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, National Institute for Health and Care Research, British Heart Foundation, Health Foundation, Public Health Agency, Chief Scientist Office, Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate, Medical Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Health and Social Care Research and Development Division, UK Prevention Research Partnership
OpenAlex ID: W3118747596