An application of the augmented synthetic control method within a target trial framework: the case of the soda tax policy in California.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with increased obesity risk. One microeconomic intervention approach that has been studied is the increase of the cost of SSBs through SSB taxes. This study aims to apply the augmented synthetic control method (ASCM) within a target trial framework to estimate the impact of a 1-cent-per-ounce SSB tax on obesity prevalence in California.

Methods

We used 2012-2020 data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS)'s AskCHIS Neighborhood Edition (AskCHIS NE) and the American Community Survey (ACS). The outcome of interest was obesity prevalence at the city level for people aged 18 and older. The estimated effect of the policy was calculated as the difference between the observed outcome in each soda tax ci

SUBMITTER: Zhao F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11987390 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature