Needs of LMIC-based tobacco control advocates to counter tobacco industry policy interference: insights from semi-structured interviews

May combine two claims.

Far more significant information and financial resources are available to the tobacco industry than to CSOs, and it has greater ability to access key stakeholders, particularly in powerful non-health ministries.

“Far more significant information and financial resources are available to the tobacco industry than to CSOs and it has greater ability to access key stakeholders, particularly in powerful non-health ministries.”

• cites [15] sourcePartly supported

  In Results, under Taxonomies of Instrumental Strategies (page unavailable), the paper describes the industry's extensive information production, financial incentives, and access to senior politicians and civil servants, including interventions that weakened health ministers. It does not establish that its information and financial resources or its access to key stakeholders are greater than those of CSOs, particularly in powerful non-health ministries. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

The activities advocates engage in to counter tobacco industry interference are aligned with those outlined in the literature on countering tobacco industry interference in LMICs, HICs and supranational settings, and directly address some of the main tobacco industry interference tactics, most notably producing and disseminating information, seeking direct access to policymakers and using front g

“The activities are aligned with those outlined in the literature on countering TII in LMICs,16–19 27–30 HICs31 32 and supranational settings,33 and directly addressing some of the main TII tactics, most notably, producing and disseminating information, seeking direct access to policymakers and using front groups and third parties.9 13–15 34”

• cites [16] sourceSupported
• cites [17] sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [18] Uang, 2018, Tobacco control law implementation in a middle-income country: transnational tobacco control network overcoming tobacco industry opposition in Colombia, Glob Public Health sourceSupported
• cites [19] sourceSupported
• cites [27] Bhatta DN , Bialous S , Crosbie E , et al . Exceeding who framework convention on tobacco control (FCTC) obligations: Nepal overcoming tobacco industry interference to Enact a comprehensive tobacco control policy. Nicotine Tob Res 2019:ntz177. doi: sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [28] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [29] Egbe, 2017, Avoiding "A Massive Spin-Off Effect in West Africa and Beyond": The Tobacco Industry Stymies Tobacco Control in Nigeria, Nicotine Tob Res sourceSupported
• cites [30] Madrazo-Lajous, 2012, Undue tobacco industry interference in tobacco control policies in Mexico, Salud Publica Mex sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites 9 13–15 34Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

FCTC Article 5.3 training for non-health stakeholders holds the potential to redress the inequitable access that the tobacco industry has to policymakers compared with CSOs.

“Second, FCTC Article 5.3 training for non-health stakeholders holds the potential to redress the inequitable access that the tobacco industry has to policymakers compared with CSOs.43”

• cites [43] sourceCould not verify

  The Discussion addresses Mexican children's use of preventive and curative care under SMNG, not tobacco-control policy. Searches for FCTC Article 5.3 training and for tobacco-industry access to policymakers relative to CSOs found no passage addressing the claim in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.78)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Framing tobacco control as a development priority has potential benefits and could be integrated into advocacy to facilitate access to non-health sector stakeholders.

“In line with previous research,44–46 our work also points to potential benefits of framing tobacco control as a development priority and adds that this could be integrated into advocacy to facilitate access to non-health sector stakeholders.”

• cites [44] sourceSupported
• cites [45] Kulik, 2017, Tobacco growing and the sustainable development goals, Malawi, Bull World Health Organ sourceSupported
• cites [46] Matthes, 2019, Tobacco control and sustainable development: shared challenges and future opportunities, Journal of Health Inequalities sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

It is important to tailor training initiatives to the particular LMIC's context and to move beyond one-off training to sustain their impact.

“However, in line with previous research,41 our findings show the importance of tailoring training initiatives to the particular LMIC’s context and moving beyond one-off training to sustain their impact.”

• cites [41] sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

The CSOs represented in this study were typically dependent on international rather than national and short-term rather than long-term funding, which made building lasting capacity and effective coalitions difficult.

“In line with the literature on LMIC-based CSOs47–49 public health50–52 and tobacco control,53 54 the CSOs represented in this study were typically dependent on international (rather than national) and short-term (rather than long-term) funding, the latter in particular made building lasting capacity and effective coalitions difficult.”

• cites [47] AbouAssi, 2013, Hands in the pockets of mercurial donors: NGO response to shifting funding priorities, Nonprofit Volunt Sect Q sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [48] Moran M , Stone D . The New Philanthropy: Private Power in International Development Policy? In: Grugel J , Hammett D , eds. The Palgrave Handbook of international development. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016: 297–313.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [49] Clarke, 2019, The new global governors: globalization, civil society, and the rise of private philanthropic foundations, Journal of Civil Society sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [50] 2009, Who runs global health?, LancetNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites [51] sourcePartly supported

  The ‘Low and middle income country (LMIC) recipients’ section (page unavailable) says LMIC CSOs may receive grants from donor governments and international NGOs, supporting international funding as part of the background literature. It does not establish that the CSOs in the citing study were typically more dependent on international than national funding, or address short-term funding and its effects on capacity and coalitions. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [52] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites 53 54Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Advocates suggested that sharing success stories of advocates working with journalists could inform their approach.

“Advocates also suggested that sharing success stories of advocates working with journalists could inform their approach.”

May combine two claims.

Activities to counter TII were usually influenced by the stage of the policy process, the specifics of policymaking within the given country, the type of tobacco control measure, and participants' expertise and capacity.

“Activities to counter TII were usually influenced by the stage of the policy process, the specifics of policymaking within the given country, the type of tobacco control measure, and participants’ expertise and capacity.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

May combine two claims.

Countering TII was typically described as an integral part of a wider tobacco control advocacy strategy to advance specific pieces of regulation and thus generally planned, though ad hoc responses were sometimes required.

“Countering TII was typically described as an integral part of a wider tobacco control advocacy strategy to advance specific pieces of regulation and thus generally planned. However, ad hoc responses were sometimes required to respond to specific developments.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

To gain better access to policymakers, advocates reported they needed to become better at speaking the 'language' of non-health politicians and public officials.

“To gain better access to policymakers, advocates reported they needed to become better at speaking the ‘language’ of non-health politicians and public officials.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

For virtual or on-site initiatives, advocates highlighted the need for continuous support.

“For virtual or on-site initiatives, advocates highlighted the need for continuous support; “you cannot say I am giving a training once and people will be able to implement all those articles, forget about it.” (P12).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Participants suggested management training on coordinating and working more effectively in a coalition.

“they suggested management training on coordinating and working more effectively in a coalition.”

May combine two claims.

Direct access to policymakers enabled advocates to inform policymakers of tobacco industry conduct and misinformation, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions.

“It enabled them to inform policymakers of tobacco industry conduct and misinformation, thereby, empowering them to make informed decisions.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Advocates stressed the need to strengthen journalists' investigative skills through training so they could better expose industry behaviour.

“to strengthen their investigative skills through training so they could better expose industry behaviour”

May combine two claims.

In some countries, CSOs reported a lack of flexibility from funders, which could mean that locally identified needs-such as countering TII-could not be addressed as part of the contract.

“In some countries, CSOs reported a lack of flexibility from funders, which could mean that locally identified needs—such as countering TII—could not be addressed as part of the contract:”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Reflecting on their experience with courses to date, these were perceived as a foundation but needing continuous input to strengthen.

“Reflecting on their experience with courses to date, these were perceived “like a foundation, [but] you need continuous input to strengthen” (P6).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

May combine two claims.

Some advocates wanted to be identified more as partners rather than recipients and showed great interest in contributing their knowledge and experience to future capacity-building efforts.

“some advocates wanted to be identified more as partners rather than recipients and showed great interest in contributing their knowledge and experience to future capacity-building efforts.”

May combine two claims.

The capacity of coalition members, in terms of numbers, time and skills, was seen as a key obstacle to a strong coalition-all perceived as determined mainly by financial resources.

“The capacity of coalition members, in terms of numbers, time and skills, was seen as a key obstacle to a strong coalition—all perceived as determined mainly by financial resources.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

May combine two claims.

Working with the media was seen as key to obtaining and disseminating data and evidence, exposing and countering tobacco industry conduct, convincing policymakers and the public, and building public pressure on policymakers.

“Working with the media was seen as key to obtaining and disseminating data and evidence, exposing and countering tobacco industry conduct, convincing policymakers and the public, and building public pressure on policymakers:”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

These could be developed in close collaboration with local advocates to ensure they are context-specific and target the appropriate audiences.

“These could be developed in close collaboration with local advocates to ensure they are context-specific and target the appropriate audiences.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Participants were confident that they could identify, approach and work with crucial coalition supporters, including policy brokers.

“While participants were confident that they could identify, approach and work with crucial coalition supporters, including policy brokers”

May combine two claims.

Interviewees consistently pointed to two overarching needs and linked solutions which could facilitate their work in all four areas of activity and improve its impact.

“interviewees consistently pointed to two overarching needs and linked solutions which could facilitate their work in all four areas of activity and improve its impact.”

May combine two claims.

Participants consistently described seeking to predict, pre-empt and counter TII and identified four key areas of activity they regularly engaged in to achieve this.

“Nonetheless, participants consistently described seeking to predict, pre-empt and counter TII and identified four key areas of activity they regularly engaged in to achieve this.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

May combine two claims.

Participants from most countries reported that the tobacco industry concentrated on topic-specific media outlets popular among certain stakeholders, while in other countries it targeted widely read generic media outlets.

“While participants from most countries reported that the tobacco industry concentrated on topic-specific media outlets popular among certain stakeholders, in other countries, it targeted widely read generic media outlets.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Evidence detailing industry strategies and activities in similar countries, especially from the same region, was perceived as important.

“Beyond country-specific data, evidence detailing, for example, industry strategies and activities in similar countries, especially from the same region, was perceived as important.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Using emotional narratives would mirror industry behaviour, which is not about being precise or accurate but about bringing emotion and making people believe the industry rather than advocates.

“Using such narratives would also mirror industry behaviour: “for the industry it’s not about being precise, accurate, it’s about bringing the emotion, making people believe the industry and not the advocates” (P18).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A small-scale study on illicit trade conducted by one participant's organisation helped rebut industry claims during policy consultations.

“A participant shared how a small-scale study on illicit trade conducted by his organisation, helped rebut industry claims during policy consultations:”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

May combine two claims.

Key media activities included building relationships with media executives, editors and journalists, organising press conferences and disseminating public statements.

“Key activities included building relationships with media executives, editors and journalists, organising press conferences and disseminating public statements.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

May combine two claims.

Issues enabling industry access to policymakers while constraining the tobacco control community's access included state agendas to promote tobacco as a cash crop, the establishment of a public body with this mandate, and investor agreements between a tobacco company and a public entity.

“Interviewees also reported issues which enabled industry access to policymakers while constraining the tobacco control community’s access. These included state agendas to promote tobacco as a cash crop, the establishment of a public body with this mandate and investor agreements between a tobacco company and a public entity.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Advocates stressed the need to raise awareness of and interest in tobacco industry interference among media professionals including editors and journalists.

“Advocates stressed the need to raise awareness of and interest in TII among media professionals including editors and journalists”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Interviewees suggested that the informal ties between policymakers and the tobacco industry, and the conflicts of interest those pose, could be addressed by better exposing these links through investigative skills training for advocates and journalists.

“Lastly, interviewees suggested that the informal ties between policymakers and the tobacco industry, and the conflicts of interest those pose, could be addressed by better exposing these links which, again, could be achieved through investigative skills training for advocates and also journalists.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

One participant reported that the media played a very strong role in ensuring that the correct evidence was presented to the public and had a strong contribution to getting the policy.

“One participant reported that the “[media] did play a very strong role in ensuring that the correct evidence was presented to the public […] that way media had a strong contribution to getting the [policy]” (P15).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Data were seen as useful for informing decision-makers directly and exposing tobacco industry misinformation in the media.

“Data were seen as useful for informing decision-makers directly and exposing tobacco industry misinformation in the media.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Structural changes to tobacco control funding and coordination were suggested to facilitate the proposed measures.

“Structural changes to tobacco control funding and coordination were suggested to facilitate the proposed measures.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

This could entail framing tobacco control as a development issue rather than just as a matter of public health.

“This could entail framing tobacco control as a development issue rather than just as a matter of public health.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

All interviewees met the inclusion criteria, some held research or public sector positions in addition to being involved in tobacco control CSOs, and all saw themselves primarily as advocates.

“While all interviewees met the inclusion criteria, some held research or public sector positions in addition to being involved in tobacco control CSOs. Yet, all saw themselves primarily as advocates.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Some participants suggested the possibility of having additional flexibility in their contracts to more readily counter tobacco industry interference.

“Some participants also suggested the possibility of having some additional flexibility in their contracts to more readily counter TII.”

May combine two claims.

Generic information and resources such as factsheets provided by WHO or tobacco control organisations were seen as useful, but often needed translation to the local context, requiring time and skill from advocates.

“Other more generic information and resources such as factsheets, provided by the WHO or tobacco control organisations, were seen as useful. Still, they would often need to be translated to the local context, which required time and skill from advocates.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

An e-learning module could accompany existing resources such as Tobacco Tactics, guiding advocates on how to use the material.

“Furthermore, an e-learning module could accompany existing resources such as this, guiding advocates on how to use the material.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

One possible way of meeting the need for sharing knowledge was establishing or strengthening a network linking LMIC-based advocates, where they could exchange information on instances of tobacco industry interference and how to address it and share success stories.

“One possible way of meeting this need was establishing or strengthening a network linking LMIC-based advocates, where they could exchange information on instances of TII and how to address it and share success stories.”

May combine two claims.

Second, most advocates appreciated and used the information on TII available on websites such as Tobacco Tactics but wanted them to include more LMIC-specific data and success stories.

“Second, most advocates appreciated and used the information on TII available on websites such as Tobacco Tactics but wanted them to include more LMIC-specific data and success stories.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Data and evidence were perceived as vital to pre-empt or counter industry arguments.

“Data and evidence were perceived as vital to pre-empt or counter industry arguments; “as long as you press them [tobacco industry] using evidence,(…) they are defeated” (P12).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Except for one country, at least two CSOs were included per country and the 22 participants came from 18 different organisations.

“Except for one country, at least two CSOs were included per country and the 22 participants came from 18 different organisations.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

First, by supporting the development of advocates' skills to generate new data and evidence, contextualise generic data and evidence, and undertake tobacco industry monitoring and investigative research.

“First, by supporting the development of advocates’ skills to generate new data and evidence, contextualise generic data and evidence, and undertake tobacco industry monitoring and investigative research.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The CSOs were diverse: some focused exclusively on tobacco control and others also engaged in other public health issues. Almost all received funding predominately from international tobacco control organisations.

“The CSOs were diverse: some focused exclusively on tobacco control and others also engaged in other public health issues. Almost all received funding predominately from international tobacco control organisations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In another case, the relationship with influential editors and reporters was crucial.

“In another case, the relationship with influential editors and reporters was crucial:”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Interviewees recognised that emotional narratives were said to matter as much as evidence in countering TII.

“Interviewees also recognised limitations of evidence and data in countering TII: First, emotional narratives were said to matter as much as evidence since “having human stories is also very, very effective for policymakers and for […] the public” (P15).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

One suggestion was to support advocates in developing coalitions that extend beyond tobacco control, engaging development-oriented CSOs to help frame tobacco control as a development priority.

“one suggestion was to support advocates in developing coalitions that extend beyond tobacco control, engaging development-oriented CSOs to help frame tobacco control as a development priority.”

May combine two claims.

Participants identified four main areas of countering activities: generating and compiling data and evidence, accessing policymakers and restricting industry access, working with media, and engaging in a national coalition.

“We identified four main areas of countering activities: (1) generating and compiling data and evidence, (2) accessing policymakers and restricting industry access, (3) working with media and (4) engaging in a national coalition.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

May combine two claims.

Each of the four areas of countering activities was linked to challenges: lack of data, no/weak implementation of FCTC Article 5.3, industry ties with media professionals, and advocates' limited capacity.

“Each area was linked to challenges, including (1) lack of data, (2) no/weak implementation of FCTC Article 5.3, (3) industry ties with media professionals and (4) advocates’ limited capacity.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

To restrict tobacco industry access to policymakers, participants proposed webinars and other forms of training to increase advocates' understanding of FCTC Article 5.3, as well as that of others such as non-health stakeholders and policymakers.

“To restrict tobacco industry access to policymakers, participants proposed webinars and other forms of training to increase advocates’ understanding of FCTC Article 5.3, as well as that of others such as non-health stakeholders and policymakers.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Webinars or e-learning modules were seen as having a wider reach than on-site training, while on-site training could be more impactful since it could be tailored specifically to the context.

“Webinars or e-learning modules were seen as having a wider reach than on-site training. Yet, the latter could be more impactful since they could be tailored specifically to the context.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Data and evidence need to reach the key people who need to act on them.

“Second, data and evidence need to reach the key people who need to act on them:”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Interviewees emphasised the need for robust financial and economic data from sources independent of the tobacco industry.

“They emphasised the need for robust financial and economic data from sources independent of the tobacco industry.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Between June and October 2019, the study conducted 20 interviews with 22 participants from eight countries; two interviews had two participants.

“Between June and October 2019, we conducted 20 interviews with 22 participants from eight countries; two interviews had two participants.”

May combine two claims.

CSOs sometimes engage in training policy stakeholders and journalists, which is particularly beneficial since they know the context and audience.

“As reflected in our research, CSOs sometimes engage in training policy stakeholders and journalists, which is particularly beneficial since they know the context and audience.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Many interviewees offered insights into the needs of colleagues rather than solely speaking about their own experience.

“Yet, many interviewees offered insights into the needs of colleagues rather than solely speaking about their own experience.”

May combine two claims.

The findings highlight growing confidence in addressing tobacco industry interference among advocates and identified tangible and straightforward initiatives that could address unmet needs and enhance advocates' efforts in countering tobacco industry interference.

“Our findings highlight growing confidence in addressing TII among advocates and we identified some tangible and straightforward initiatives that could address unmet needs and enhance advocates’ efforts in countering TII.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A stronger tobacco control network of LMIC-based advocates was perceived as important.

“Third, a stronger tobacco control network of LMIC-based advocates was perceived as important.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

BKM conducted the coding and met regularly with LR and ABG to discuss coding and key findings.

“BKM conducted the coding and met regularly with LR and ABG to discuss coding and key findings.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

To validate findings, a summary was shared with 18 participants who had previously agreed to provide feedback, and eight (44%) responded; they agreed with the findings and suggested refinements that were taken on board.

“To validate findings,26 a summary was shared with 18 participants who had previously agreed to provide feedback, and eight (44%) responded. They agreed with our findings and suggested some refinement which we took on board.”

May combine two claims.

The eight selected countries represent four of the six WHO regions and the three income-economy groups within LMICs.

“We sought to capture experiences from a diverse set of LMICs and thus the eight countries represent four of the six WHO regions and the three income-economy groups within LMICs.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A formal implementation of FCTC Article 5.3 would help address industry access to policymakers.

“While a formal implementation of FCTC Article 5.3 would help address this, policymakers outside the health sector were often said to be unaware of FCTC Article 5.3.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The views expressed are not necessarily generalisable to the broader population of tobacco control advocates.

“A limitation of the study is that the views expressed are not necessarily generalisable to the broader population of tobacco control advocates.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

This work can be used to directly inform further efforts to address tobacco industry interference.

“As such, this work can be used to directly inform further efforts to address TII.”

May combine two claims.

While all countries included experienced recent advances in tobacco control, the sample was drawn from countries that had enacted varying policies and regulations, meaning the study identified advocates' common needs across different policy contexts.

“While all countries included experienced recent advances in tobacco control, our sample was drawn from countries that had enacted varying policies and regulations, meaning we identified advocates’ common needs across different policy contexts.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The sample of 22 advocates from eight LMICs was sufficient to identify the common needs of LMIC-based tobacco control advocates.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A key strength of the study is that it includes the voices from advocates in eight countries (in four WHO regions and from the three low- and middle-income groups).

“A key strength of this study is that it includes the voices from advocates in eight countries (in four WHO regions and from the three low- and middle-income groups).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

A collaborative funding approach could prevent competition and duplication of efforts which lead to inefficiencies.

“Through this, competition and duplication of efforts which lead to inefficiencies could be prevented.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Meeting the need for sharing knowledge would not require as large-scale changes as the other overarching need.

“Meeting this need would not require as large-scale changes as the other overarching need.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Advocates contributing their knowledge and experience to future capacity-building efforts could add to South-South knowledge exchange.

“This could add to South–South knowledge exchange”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

There has been no work exploring whether there are gaps that would, if addressed, enable advocates to address TII better.

“However, to our knowledge, there has been no work exploring whether there are gaps that would, if addressed, enable advocates to address TII better.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

A collaborative rather than competitive approach to funding would encourage coordination among CSOs working in tobacco control and beyond.

“Furthermore, a collaborative rather than competitive approach to funding would encourage coordination among those CSOs working in tobacco control and beyond.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The study identifies straightforward initiatives that could strengthen efforts to address TII.

“We identify straightforward initiatives that could strengthen such efforts.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The study used Qualitative Description to analyse transcripts and validated findings through participant feedback.

“We used Qualitative Description to analyse transcripts and validated findings through participant feedback.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Tobacco control advocacy is important for advancing tobacco control.

“The importance of tobacco control advocacy is enshrined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the first global public health treaty.”

• cites [1] WHO . WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, 2003. Available: https://www.who.int/tobacco/framework/WHO_FCTC_english.pdf [Accessed on 23/04/2019].Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Interviewees were required to have at least three years of experience in national-level tobacco control advocacy and to speak English.

“They were required to have at least three years of experience in national-level tobacco control advocacy, meaning that they have been working to advance tobacco control policy in their country.23 They also had to speak English.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The study only included participants who were fluent in English, which limited the pool of potential participants.

“Another limitation is that we only included participants who were fluent in English which limited the pool of potential participants.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

More structural changes to enhance tobacco control capacity building should be considered.

“This research also underscores that more structural changes to enhance tobacco control capacity building should be considered.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' accounts of their experiences and of tobacco industry conduct accurately reflect those experiences and conduct.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A move from short-term to longer-term funding would allow more sustainable capacity building, so that capacity built through training would not be lost when funding came to an end.

“A move from short-term to longer-term funding to allow more sustainable capacity building, meaning that, for example, capacity built through training would not be lost when funding came to an end.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The study purposely selected eight countries which had recently advanced or attempted to advance important tobacco control policies.

“We purposely selected eight countries which had recently advanced or attempted to advance important tobacco control policies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Difficulties around developing robust and sustained tobacco control coalitions were arguably more difficult to address in the short-term, as they reflected broader challenges relating to funding and state capacity and government priorities.

“Difficulties around developing robust and sustained tobacco control coalitions were arguably more difficult to address in the short-term, as they reflected broader challenges relating to funding and state capacity and government priorities.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The study sought to include two to four interviewees from more than one civil society organisation in each country.

“To ensure we recorded varying perspectives from each context, we sought to include two to four interviewees from more than one civil society organisation (CSO) in each country.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Major public health organisations have been supporting tobacco control advocates worldwide.

“In line with this, major public health organisations, including intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and funding agencies have been supporting tobacco control advocates worldwide.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Long-term partnerships between international organisations and local partners build greater capacity among advocates to successfully continue their work after the project ended.

“This concern resonates with the literature on LMIC-based CSOs, suggesting that long-term partnerships between international organisations and local partners build greater capacity among advocates to successfully continue their work after the project ended.47 55”

• cites [47] AbouAssi, 2013, Hands in the pockets of mercurial donors: NGO response to shifting funding priorities, Nonprofit Volunt Sect Q sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [55] Ismail Z . Advantages and Value of Funding NGOs in the Global South. K4D Helpdesk Report 2019. Available: https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/bitstream/handle/20.500.12413/14392/539_Direct_Funding_for_NGOs_in_the_South.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y [Accessed on 22/06/2020].Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The views expressed in this qualitative study are not necessarily generalisable to the wider population of tobacco control advocates.

“A limitation is that, as with most qualitative research,56 the views expressed are not necessarily generalisable to the wider population of tobacco control advocates.”

• cites [56] Carminati, 2018, Generalizability in qualitative research: a tale of two traditions, Qual Health Res sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The 'Think Tanks' project has the potential to nurture local expertise and provide important data that could help counter tobacco industry misinformation.

“It has the potential to nurture local expertise and provide important data that could help counter tobacco industry misinformation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Addressing the identified issues around funding requires more structural solutions that could strengthen tobacco control advocacy in LMICs more generally.

“Addressing the identified issues around funding requires more structural solutions that would not only address advocates’ countering efforts but could strengthen tobacco control advocacy in LMICs more generally.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

The findings suggest some relatively straightforward measures could be taken to advance LMIC-based advocates' capacity to counter tobacco industry interference, and that some structural changes could also be considered.

“The findings suggest some relatively straightforward measures could be taken to advance LMIC-based advocates’ capacity to counter TII, and that some structural changes could also be considered.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

More structural changes in how tobacco control is funded and coordinated could strengthen tobacco control in LMICs.

“This paper also highlights that more structural changes in how tobacco control is funded and coordinated could strengthen tobacco control in LMICs.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Having a dedicated network focused on countering tobacco industry interference could be worthwhile.

“While global tobacco control networks exist, our findings suggest having a dedicated network focused on countering TII could be worthwhile.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

These challenges reflect the concerning implications of corporate power that are not limited to tobacco control, the taming of which is described as 'the key political issue of our time'.

“These challenges reflect the concerning implications of corporate power that are not limited to tobacco control,36 the taming of which is described as ‘the key political issue of our time’.37”

• cites [36] Wiist WH , ed. The bottom line or public health: tactics corporations use to influence health and health policy, and what we can do to counter them . Oxford University Press: Oxford, 2010.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [37] Monbiot G . Taming corporate power: the key political issue of our age 2014. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/taming-corporate-power-key-political-issue-alternative [Accessed on 10/02/2020].Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Enhancing advocates' skills is a high priority, both research skills and skills in monitoring and investigation.

“First, our study highlights that enhancing advocates’ skills is a high priority, both research skills as well as skills in monitoring and investigation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Advocates would likely benefit from more initiatives that develop skills in designing and delivering training.

“Thus, advocates would likely benefit from more initiatives that develop skills in designing and delivering such training.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The 'Think Tanks' project delivered by the University of Illinois at Chicago aims to build research capacity into economic and fiscal policies for tobacco control.

“An initiative that helps to address some of the identified needs is the ‘Think Tanks’ project delivered by the University of Illinois at Chicago. The project aims to build research capacity into economic and fiscal policies for tobacco control.42”

• cites [42] University of Illinois at Chicago . Think tanks project: accelerating progress on tobacco taxes in Low– and Middle–Income countries, 2020. Available: https://tobacconomics.org/projects/bloomberg-initiative-accelerating-progress-on-tobacco-taxes-in-low-and-middle-income-countries/ [Accessed on 07/01/2020].Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Participants tended to be experienced and had received training provided by the international tobacco control community, and their views may not necessarily reflect those of advocates without similar opportunities.

“Our participants tended to be experienced and had received training provided by the international tobacco control community, and their views may not necessarily reflect those of advocates without similar opportunities.”

May combine two claims.

The study only included participants who spoke English, which limited the pool of potential participants, especially given that English is not the official language in most included countries.

“An additional limitation is that we only included participants who spoke English. This limited the pool of potential participants, especially given that English is not the official language in most included countries.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Most participants were not native speakers of English, which the authors mitigated by refining the interview schedule following a pilot interview with a non-native speaker of English.

“A related limitation is that most participants were not native speakers of English which we mitigated by refining the interview schedule following a pilot interview with a non-native speaker of English.”