June 2012

Interventions: In 2007, the Finnish National Board of Education (FNBE) and the National Public Health Institute (KTL) recommended to schools that they quit regular selling of candies and soft drinks. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine how and why such selling changed from 2007 to 2008 after the national recommendation. Methods: Surveys were conducted using online questionnaires to all upper comprehensive schools in Finland. In 2007, 480 (49%) and in 2008, 507 (51%) schools answered the questionnaire; 319 (32%) schools participated in both studies. Schools were asked whether they sold candies, soft drinks or other sweet products and, if they had changed the selling of these products, why. The changes in selling were analyzed by using McNemar´s test. Results: Of the responding schools, 56% (n=267) and 46% (n=233) sold sweet products in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Of the schools responding both years, 56% reported selling sweet products in 2007 and 50% in 2008. Selling had decreased by 11% among the schools that took part in both studies. The main reasons stated for quitting selling these products were concern about pupils’ health (40%) and the recommendation of the FNBE and KTL (38%). Conclusions: The national recommendation was followed by some decrease in sale of sweet products. For further progress, new actions, both policy measures and broader public involvement, may be needed. Key words: health promotion, children, sweets, soft drinks