Indicators of the relative availability of healthy versus unhealthy foods in supermarkets: a validation study

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Research

Cliona Ni Mhurchu¹  Tara Mackenzie²  Stefanie Vandevijvere² 

[1] National Institute for Health Innovation, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Private bag 92019, Glen Innes, New Zealand;

关键词: Consumer retail food environments;    INFORMAS;    Shelf length;    Food variety;    Food availability;    Supermarkets;    Validation;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12966-017-0512-0

 received in 2016-11-28, accepted in 2017-04-12,  发布年份 2017

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundIn-store availability of healthy and unhealthy foods may influence consumer purchases. Methods used to measure food availability, however, vary widely. A simple, valid, and reliable indicator to collect comparable data on in-store food availability is needed.MethodsCumulative linear shelf length of and variety within 22 healthy and 28 unhealthy food groups, determined based on a comparison of three nutrient profiling systems, were measured in 15 New Zealand supermarkets. Inter-rater reliability was tested in one supermarket by a second researcher. The construct validity of five simple indicators of relative availability of healthy versus unhealthy foods was assessed against this ‘gold standard’.ResultsCumulative linear shelf length was a more sensitive and feasible measure of food availability than variety. Four out of five shelf length ratio indicators were significantly associated with the gold standard (ρ = 0.70–0.75). Based on a non-significant difference from the ‘gold standard’ (d = 0.053 ± 0.040) and feasibility, the ratio of cumulative linear shelf length of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables versus soft and energy drinks, crisps and snacks, sweet biscuits and confectionery performed best for use in New Zealand supermarkets.ConclusionsFour out of the five shelf length ratio indicators of the relative availability of healthy versus unhealthy foods in-store tested could be used for future research and monitoring, but additional validation studies in other settings and countries are recommended. Consistent use of those shelf length ratio indicators could enhance comparability of supermarket food availability between studies, and help inform policies to create healthy consumer food retail environments.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017