ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8759-8671
Current Organisation
University of Antwerp
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Epidemiology | Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Public Health and Health Services | Urban Design
Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified | Behaviour and Health | Social Structure and Health |
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-08-2014
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.20853
Abstract: To examine the extent to which characteristics of the neighborhood built environment explain the association between adiposity and educational qualifications in Australian women. A community s le of 1,819 women (aged 18-66) from the Melbourne SESAW study provided information regarding their body mass index (BMI) and level of education. Objective measures of participants' residential neighborhood built environments were obtained using a Geographic Information System. Compared with women with a high school degree or above, women who did not complete high school had higher average BMI, which was partially explained by lower density of sports facilities and living less proximally to the coastline and to supermarkets. In a multiple mediator model, which explained 16.6% of the educational disparity in BMI, the number of sports facilities and presence of the coastline within 2 km of participants' homes were significant mediators of the observed socioeconomic disparity in BMI. The residential neighborhood environment may help to explain socioeconomic patterning of overweight and obesity in Australian women. These results provide further support for considering the built environment in obesity prevention initiatives, suggesting a potential role in decreasing social inequalities in obesity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-05-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2013.08.006
Abstract: There remains a lack of consistent evidence linking food environments with eating behaviours. Studies to date have largely ignored the way different in iduals interact with their local food environment and have primarily focussed on exposures within the residential neighbourhood without consideration of exposures around the workplace, for ex le. In this study we firstly examine whether associations between the residential food environment and eating behaviours differ by employment status and, secondly, whether food environments near employed women's workplaces are more strongly associated with dietary behaviours than food environments near home. Employment status did not modify the associations between residential food environments and eating behaviours, however results showed that having access to healthy foods near the workplace was associated with healthier food consumption. Policies focused on supportive environments should consider commercial areas as well as residential neighbourhoods.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2018.07.008
Abstract: Consuming a healthy diet characterised by a variety of nutritious foods is essential for promoting and maintaining health and wellbeing, yet the diets of Australian children continue to fall well short of national healthy eating recommendations. This research endeavours to identify patterns of dietary intake in Australian children at three and five years of age and investigate associations between early childhood dietary patterns and socio-economic and demographic indicators and Body Mass Index (BMI), as well as identify changes in children's dietary patterns over time. Cross-sectional dietary patterns were derived for 1565 and 631 children aged three and five years, respectively using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), with changes over time analysed with Latent Transition Analysis (LTA). Demographic variables of interest included child sex, parental age, family status, and use of childcare services and socio-economic variables included education, income and employment status. Three patterns of dietary intake were identified at three years (Highly Unhealthy, Healthier and Moderately Unhealthy) and two patterns at five years (Unhealthy and Healthier). Children with younger mothers, working mothers, fathers with a higher BMI and living in a two-carer household were more likely to have unhealthy eating patterns at three years, and children with working mothers and living in a two-carer household were more likely to have unhealthy patterns of dietary intake at five years. Approximately one eighth of the s le transitioned from the healthier to unhealthy pattern of dietary intake from three to five years. The quality of Australian children's diets appears to be declining through the early childhood years, continuing to highlight the importance of nutrition policies and interventions targeted towards the early years of life.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-019-0898-Y
Abstract: Increasing emphasis has been placed on improving physical activity levels through multilevel interventions. This study aims to examine moderating effects of neighborhood safety (crime and traffic) and social support (from parent and sibling eer) for physical activity in the relationship between the built environment and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) outside school hours among adolescents in Melbourne. Data were from the NEighbourhood Activity in Youth study conducted among adolescents in Melbourne, Australia ( n = 358, 15.3 (SD = 1.5) years). MVPA outside school hours was assessed by accelerometer. Built environment features within 1 km and 2 km residential buffers including recreation facilities, park area, and walkability and its components were assessed using Geographic Information Systems. Neighborhood safety, social support for physical activity and sociodemographic information were self-reported by adolescents. Multilevel linear regression models were used to estimate associations. Support for physical activity from sibling eer positively moderated the relationship between recreation facilities (1 km), residential density (2 km) and MVPA. Recreation facility (count within 2 km), walkability (1 km and 2 km) and residential density (1 km) had significant positive associations with MVPA outside school hours. The built environment appeared to have stronger facilitating effects on MVPA among adolescents who had favourable support for physical activity from their sibling or peer. Multilevel interventions that target the built environment and social factors are needed to promote MVPA outside school hours among adolescents.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-03-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.PUHE.2014.07.008
Abstract: To investigate the relationship between access to off-license alcohol outlets and areas with dual treatment for alcohol/drug abuse and anxiety/mood disorder compared to areas with anxiety/mood disorder only in an urban setting in New Zealand. Ecologic study. Within small areas (2840 meshblocks, mean size 0.05 km(2)) in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, counts of adults receiving anxiety/mood disorder treatment (2008-9) were identified and the proportions of these in iduals also receiving treatment for alcohol/drug abuse were generated. Access to off-license alcohol outlets were defined as: 1) shortest road distance from the population-weighted centroid of each small area to an outlet 2) count of outlets within a 3 km road network buffer and 3) relative density of outlets across Auckland (determined through kernel density estimates). To test for the relationship between access to alcohol outlets and dual diagnosis, meshblocks without any cases of anxiety/mood disorder were excluded from analyses. Remaining meshblocks were dichotomized into any or no dual diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between access to alcohol outlets and treatment for the dual conditions. Neighbourhoods with dual diagnosis were generally similar to those with anxiety/mood disorder only, in terms of ethnic and gender/age composition. Regression analyses indicated statistically significant decreased risk of dual diagnosis for those areas with the lowest density (using a buffer) of alcohol outlets (OR = 0.75, P-value = 0.027) compared with areas with the highest density, after adjustment for deprivation and population density. All access measures also indicated significant linear trends where dual diagnosis was more likely in areas with greater access. Generally, decreased access to alcohol outlets was associated with decreased odds of dual diagnosis of alcohol/drug abuse and anxiety/mood disorder. Measures to control access to alcohol outlets may be an important area for alcohol/substance abuse intervention, particularly for vulnerable sub-populations.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-01-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1071/HE13042
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 29-05-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-01-2015
Abstract: Existing theoretical frameworks suggest that healthy eating is facilitated by an in idual's ability, motivation and environmental opportunities. It is plausible, although largely untested, that the importance of factors related to ability and motivation differ under varied environmental conditions. This study aimed to determine whether the magnitude of associations between fruit and vegetable consumption and intrapersonal factors (ability and motivation) were modified by differences in access to stores selling these items (environmental opportunities). Cross-sectional analysis of 4335 women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the state of Victoria, Australia. Self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed against a number of ability- and motivation-related factors. To examine whether associations were modified by store access, interactions with access to supermarkets and greengrocers within 2 km of participants' households were tested. Of the two factors related to ability and seven factors related to motivation, almost all were associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. In general, associations were not modified by store access suggesting that these factors were not tempered by environmental opportunities. This study provides little support for the hypothesis that the importance of intra-personal factors to fruit and vegetable consumption is modified by food store access. Further research on this topic is required to inform behaviour change interventions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-01-2012
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011003417
Abstract: Perceptions that fruit and vegetables are expensive have been found to be associated with lower consumption of fruit and vegetables among disadvantaged women however, the determinants of these perceptions are relatively unknown. The purpose of the current paper is to examine whether perceived availability and quality of fruit and vegetables, and social support for healthy eating, are associated with perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability among women residing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Cross-sectional self-report survey. The study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. An Australian s le of 4131 women, aged 18–45 years, residing in neighbourhoods ranked in the lowest Victorian tertile of relative disadvantage by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an index that considers aspects of disadvantage such as residents’ income, education, motor vehicle access and employment. Results showed that irrespective of education, income and other key covariates, women who perceived poor availability and quality of fruit and vegetables in their local neighbourhood were more likely to perceive fruit and vegetables as expensive. Our results suggest that perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability are not driven exclusively by lack of financial or knowledge-related resources, but also by women's psychological response and interpretation of their local nutrition environment.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-05-2017
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-11-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-12-2011
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 07-06-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980017001069
Abstract: Systematic reviews investigating associations between objective measures of the food environment and dietary behaviours or health outcomes have not established a consistent evidence base. The present paper aims to synthesise qualitative evidence regarding the influence of local food environments on food and purchasing behaviours. A systematic review in the form of a qualitative thematic synthesis. Urban localities. Adults. Four analytic themes were identified from the review including community and consumer nutrition environments, other environmental factors and in idual coping strategies for shopping and purchasing decisions. Availability, accessibility and affordability were consistently identified as key determinants of store choice and purchasing behaviours that often result in less healthy food choices within community nutrition environments. Food availability, quality and food store characteristics within consumer nutrition environments also greatly influenced in-store purchases. In iduals used a range of coping strategies in both the community and consumer nutrition environments to make optimal purchasing decisions, often within the context of financial constraints. Findings from the current review add depth and scope to quantitative literature and can guide ongoing theory, interventions and policy development in food environment research. There is a need to investigate contextual influences within food environments as well as in idual and household socio-economic characteristics that contribute to the differing use of and views towards local food environments. Greater emphasis on how in idual and environmental factors interact in the food environment field will be key to developing stronger understanding of how environments can support and promote healthier food choices.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-12-2022
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980021004766
Abstract: Outdoor advertisements for food and drink products form a large part of the food environment and they disproportionately promote unhealthy products. However, less is known about the social patterning of such advertisements. The main aim of this study was to explore the socio-economic patterning of food and drink advertising at bus stops in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Bus stop advertisements were audited to identify food/drink adverts and classify them by food/drink category (i.e. ‘advert category’). This data were then linked to area-based deprivation and proximity measures. Neighbourhood deprivation was measured using the bus stop x / y co-ordinates, which were converted to postcodes to identify the matching 2012 deprivation level via the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Distance to schools and leisure centres were also collected using location data. Generalised estimating equations and linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between the promotion of advert categories and deprivation and proximity to schools/leisure centres, respectively. Edinburgh city, United Kingdom. 561 food/drink advertisements were identified across 349 bus stops, with 8 advertisement categories noted and included in the final analysis, including alcohol, fast food outlets and confectionary. The majority of adverts were for ‘unhealthy’ food and drink categories, however there was no evidence for any socio-economic patterning of these advertisements. There was no evidence of a relationship between advertisements and proximity to schools and leisure centres. While there is no evidence for food and drink advertising being patterned by neighbourhood deprivation, the scale of unhealthy advertising is an area for policy evaluations and interventions on the control of such outdoor advertising.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 28-02-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980013000347
Abstract: To investigate the associations between sociodemographic factors and both diet indicators and food security among socio-economically disadvantaged populations in two different (national) contextual settings. Logistic regression was used to determine cross-sectional associations between nationality, marital status, presence of children in the household, education, employment status and household income (four low income categories) with daily fruit and vegetable consumption, low-fat milk consumption and food security. Socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the UK and Australia. Two s les of low-income women from disadvantaged neighbourhoods: (i) in the UK, the 2003–05 Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey (LIDNS n 643) and (ii) in Australia, the 2007–08 Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality (READI n 1340). The influence of nationality, marital status and children in the household on the dietary outcomes varied between the two nations. Obtaining greater education qualifications was the most telling factor associated with healthier dietary behaviours. Being employed was positively associated with low-fat milk consumption in both nations and with fruit consumption in the UK, while income was not associated with dietary behaviours in either nation. In Australia, the likelihood of being food secure was higher among those who were born outside Australia, married, employed or had a greater income, while higher income was the only significant factor in the UK. The identification of factors that differently influence dietary behaviours and food security in socio-economically disadvantaged populations in the UK and Australia suggests continued efforts need to be made to ensure that interventions and policy responses are informed by the best available local evidence.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2012.03.014
Abstract: The majority of nutrition promotion research that has examined the determinants of unhealthy or healthy dietary behaviours has focused on factors that promote consumption of these foods, rather than factors that may both promote healthy eating and buffer or protect consumption of unhealthy foods. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that both promote healthy eating and also reduce the likelihood of eating unhealthily amongst women. A community s le of 1013 Australian women participated in a cross-sectional self-report survey that assessed factors associated with diet and obesity. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between a range of in idual, social and environmental factors and aspects of both healthy and unhealthy eating, whilst controlling for key covariates. Results indicated that women with high self efficacy for healthy eating, taste preferences for fruit and vegetables, family support for healthy eating and the absence of perceived barriers to healthy eating (time and cost) were more likely to consume components of a healthy diet and less likely to consume components of a unhealthy diet. Optimal benefits in overall diet quality amongst women may be achieved by targeting factors associated with both healthy and unhealthy eating in nutrition promotion efforts.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-12-2012
DOI: 10.1038/NUTD.2012.27
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-11-2022
Abstract: Limited research has explored associations between blue spaces and mental health, specifically in children. This study assessed links between coastal proximity and depression and anxiety among children in Australia and tested whether duration of residency at current address moderated associations. It also explored associations between within‐in idual changes in coastal proximity and changes in depression and anxiety. Data were from 2400 children aged 11–12 years in Wave 5 (2012) and aged 14–15 years in Wave 6 (2014) of the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Outcomes were children’s self‐reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exposure was coastal proximity ( , 2– , 5– , 10– , 20– , and ≥50 km). Linear models were fitted to examine cross‐sectional associations and fixed effects models for within‐in idual associations. After adjustment for potential confounders, findings suggested that those living close to the coast ( km) had lower levels of depression than those living the furthest from the coast (≥50 km) during childhood (Wave 5) but not adolescence (Wave 6). No associations were observed with anxiety. There was weak evidence to suggest residency duration moderated associations. No associations were observed for within‐in idual changes. Further research is needed to understand whether and what characteristics of coastal environments may benefit children’s mental health.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2011
Abstract: It has been suggested that those with lower socioeconomic characteristics would be more likely to seek energy-dense food options such as fast food because of cheaper prices however, to date the evidence has been inconsistent. This study examines both in idual- and area-level socioeconomic characteristics and their independent associations with chain-brand fast food purchasing. Data from the 2003 Victorian Lifestyle and Neighbourhood Environments Study (VicLANES) a multilevel study of 2,547 adults from 49 small-areas in Melbourne, Australia, were used. Multilevel multinomial models adjusted for confounders were used to assess associations between in idual socioeconomic position (education, occupation and income) and area socioeconomic characteristics in relation to fast food purchasing from five major fast food chains with outcome categories: never, at least monthly and at least weekly. The study finally assessed whether any potential area-level associations were mediated by fast food access. Increased fast food purchasing was independently associated with lower education, being a blue-collar employee and decreased household income. Results for area-level disadvantage were marginally insignificant after adjustment for in idual-level characteristics, although they were suggestive that living in an area with greater levels of disadvantage increased an in idual's odds of more frequent fast food purchasing. This effect was further attenuated when measures of fast food restaurant access were included in the models. Independent effects of lower in idual-level socioeconomic characteristics and more frequent fast food purchasing for home consumption are demonstrated. Although evidence was suggestive of an independent association with area-level disadvantage this did not reach statistical significance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-01-2022
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2028964
Abstract: This study examined adolescent muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) participation at home and associated socioecological correlates during Australia's initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Adolescents (N = 731, M
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-12-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.682
Abstract: Locating fast‐food outlets near schools is a potential public health risk to schoolchildren, given the easy access and repeated exposure to energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods they provide. Fast‐food outlet availability near schools has not been previously investigated in Perth, Western Australia. This study aimed to quantify fast‐food outlet availability near Perth schools and determine whether differences in area‐level disadvantage and school type exist. Fast‐food outlet locations were sourced from Perth Local Governments in 2018/2019. All Perth Primary (n = 454), Secondary (n = 107) and K‐12 (n = 94) schools were assigned an area‐level disadvantage decile ranking based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio‐Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA). Regression models assessed whether fast‐food outlet availability within 400 m, 800 m and 1 km of schools differed by school type (ie, Primary/Secondary/K‐12) or SEIFA. Secondary schools were significantly more likely than Primary and K‐12 schools to have a higher presence and density of fast‐food outlets and the “Top 4” fast‐food outlet chains (McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, KFC and Red Rooster) nearby. Schools located in low socio‐economic status (SES) areas had a significantly higher density of fast‐food outlets within 400 m, and “Top 4” fast‐food outlet chains within 400 m and 1 km, than schools located in high SES area. Perth schools are surrounded by fast‐food outlets with densities significantly higher around secondary schools and schools located in lower SES areas. Policies and regulations aimed at reducing fast‐food outlets near schools is an essential strategy to improve dietary intakes and reduce obesity in schoolchildren.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-07-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2011.03510.X
Abstract: To assess the association between access to off-premises alcohol outlets and harmful alcohol consumption. Multi-level study of 2334 adults aged 18-75 years from 49 census collector districts (the smallest spatial unit in Australia at the time of survey) in metropolitan Melbourne. Alcohol outlet density was defined as the number of outlets within a 1-km road network of respondents' homes and proximity was the shortest road network distance to the closest outlet from their home. Using multi-level logistic regression we estimated the association between outlet density and proximity and four measures of harmful alcohol consumption: drinking at levels associated with short-term harm at least weekly and monthly drinking at levels associated with long-term harm and frequency of consumption. Density of alcohol outlets was associated with increased risk of drinking alcohol at levels associated with harm. The strongest association was for short-term harm at least weekly [odds ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.16]. When density was fitted as a categorical variable, the highest risk of drinking at levels associated with short-term harm was when there were eight or more outlets (short-term harm weekly: OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.22-4.54 and short-term harm monthly: OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.07-3.04). We found no evidence to support an association between proximity and harmful alcohol consumption. The number of off-premises alcohol outlets in a locality is associated with the level of harmful alcohol consumption in that area. Reducing the number of off-premises alcohol outlets could reduce levels of harmful alcohol consumption.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
Abstract: To assess and compare the number and type of outdoor food advertisements at public transit stops within suburbs of varying levels of socioeconomic disadvantage. An observational audit tool was developed and implemented to assess the number and type of food advertisements at public transit stops within Melbourne, Victoria. A total of 20 Melbourne neighbourhoods (suburbs) from across the least and the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas were selected. All public transit stops, including train stations and bus and tram stops with a shelter were audited. A similar proportion of transit stops in the least and most-disadvantaged suburbs displayed food advertisements (total n=203). However, some differences in the type of advertisements across suburbs were noted with advertisements for fast food restaurants, flavoured milk and fruit juice more common in the most-disadvantaged neighbourhoods (all p<0.05) and advertisements for diet soft drink, tea, coffee and convenience stores more common in the least-disadvantaged neighbourhoods (all p<0.05). This exploration of outdoor food advertising at Melbourne transit stops found 30% displayed food advertisements, with those in more disadvantaged suburbs more frequently promoting chain-brand fast food and less frequently promoting diet varieties of soft drinks. These findings may help raise awareness of unhealthy environmental exposures.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-016594
Abstract: The residential neighbourhood fast-food environment has the potential to lead to increased levels of obesity by providing opportunities for residents to consume energy-dense products. This longitudinal study aimed to examine whether change in body mass index (BMI) differed dependent on major chain fast-food outlet availability among women residing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Eighty disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. S le of 882 women aged 18–46 years at baseline (wave I: 2007/2008) who remained at the same residential location at all three waves (wave II: 2010/2011 wave III: 2012/2013) of the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study. BMI based on self-reported height and weight at each wave. There was no evidence of an interaction between time and the number of major chain fast-food outlets within 2 (p=0.88), 3 (p=0.66) or 5 km (p=0.24) in the multilevel models of BMI. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an interaction between time and change in availability at any distance and BMI. Change in BMI was not found to differ by residential major chain fast-food outlet availability among Victorian women residing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. It may be that exposure to fast-food outlets around other locations regularly visited influence change in BMI. Future research needs to consider what environments are the key sources for accessing and consuming fast food and how these relate to BMI and obesity risk.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2014.07.012
Abstract: An aggregate index is potentially useful to represent neighbourhood obesogenicity. We created a conceptually-based obesogenicity index and examined its association with body mass index (BMI) among 3786 women (age 18-45y) in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. The index included 3 items from each of 3 domains: food resources (supermarkets, green grocers, fast food restaurants), recreational activity resources (gyms, pools, park space), and walkability (4+ leg intersections, neighbourhood walking environment, neighbourhood safety), with a possible range from 0 to 18 reflecting 0-2 for each of the 9 items. Using generalised estimating equations, neighbourhood obesogenicity was not associated with BMI in the overall s le. However, stratified analyses revealed generally positive associations with BMI in urban areas and inverse associations in rural areas (interaction p=0.02). These analyses are a first step towards combining neighbourhood characteristics into an aggregate obesogenicity index that is transparent enough to be adopted elsewhere and to allow examination of the relevance of its specific components in different settings.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
Publisher: Coastal Education and Research Foundation
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.2112/05A-0017.1
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-08-2012
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011001947
Abstract: The present study examined whether objective measures of the food environment are associated with perceptions of the food environment and whether this relationship varies by socio-economic disadvantage. The study is a cross-sectional analysis of self-report surveys and objective environment data. Women reported their perceptions on the nutrition environment. Participants’ homes and food stores were geocoded to measure the objective community nutrition environment. Data on the average price and variety of fruit and vegetables were used to measure the objective consumer nutrition environment. The study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003–2004. Data presented are from a s le of 1393 women aged 18–65 years. Overall the match between the perceived and objective environment was poor, underscoring the limitations in using perceptions of the environment as a proxy for the objective environment. Socio-economic disadvantage had limited impact on the relationship between perceived and objective nutrition environment. Further research is needed to understand the determinants of perceptions of the nutrition environment to enhance our understanding of the role of perceptions in nutrition choices and drivers of socio-economic inequalities in nutrition.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2010
Abstract: Living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods is associated with increased risk of a poor diet however, the mechanisms underlying associations are not well understood. This study investigated whether selected healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviours are patterned by neighbourhood-socioeconomic disadvantage, and if so, whether features of the neighbourhood-nutrition environment explain these associations. A survey was completed by 1399 women from 45 neighbourhoods of varying levels of socioeconomic disadvantage in Melbourne, Australia. Survey data on fruit, vegetable and fast-food consumption were linked with data on food store locations (supermarket, greengrocer and fast-food store density and proximity) and within-store factors (in-store data on price and availability for supermarkets and greengrocers) obtained through objective audits. Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine associations of neighbourhood disadvantage with fruit, vegetable and fast-food consumption, and to test whether nutrition environment factors mediated these associations. After controlling for in idual-level demographic and socioeconomic factors, neighbourhood disadvantage was associated with less vegetable consumption and more fast-food consumption, but not with fruit consumption. Some nutrition environmental factors were associated with both neighbourhood disadvantage and with diet. Nutrition environmental features did not mediate neighbourhood-disadvantage variations in vegetable or fast-food consumption. Although we found poorer diets among women living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Melbourne, the differences were not attributable to less supportive nutrition environments in these neighbourhoods.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-05-2012
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012002649
Abstract: The present study aimed to examine the availability of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snack foods (and fruits and vegetables) in supermarkets located in socio-economically advantaged and disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Cross-sectional supermarket audit. Melbourne, Australia. Measures included product shelf space and number of varieties for soft drinks, crisps, chocolate, confectionery and fruits and vegetables, as well as store size. Thirty-five supermarkets (response 83 %) from neighbourhoods in the lowest and highest quintile of socio-economic disadvantage. Shelf space allocated to soft drinks (23·6 m v . 17·7 m, P = 0·006), crisps (16·5 m v . 13·0 m, P = 0·016), chocolate (12·2 m v . 10·1 m, P = 0·022) and confectionery (6·7 m v . 5·1 m, P = 0·003) was greater in stores from socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. After adjustment for store size (stores in disadvantaged areas being larger), shelf space for confectionery (6·3 m v . 5·6 m, P = 0·024) and combined shelf space for all energy-dense foods and drinks (55·0 m v . 48·9 m, P = 0·017) remained greater in stores from socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The ratio of shelf space allocated to fruits and vegetables to that for energy-dense snack foods also varied by socio-economic disadvantage after adjustment for store size (most disadvantaged v . least disadvantaged: 1·7 v . 2·1, P = 0·025). Varieties of fruits and vegetables and chocolate bars were more numerous in less disadvantaged areas ( P 0·05). Exposure to energy-dense snack foods and soft drinks in supermarkets was greater in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This may impact purchasing, consumption and cultural norms related to eating behaviours and may therefore work against elimination of the known socio-economic gradient in obesity levels. Reform of supermarket stocking practices may represent an effective means of obesity prevention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2022.115502
Abstract: The 20-min neighbourhood (20 MN) is a method of designing neighbourhoods in such a way that in iduals can meet the majority of their daily needs within a 10-min walk (therefore a 20-min return trip) of their home. The Scottish Government have committed to apply the 20 MN concept nationwide, focusing on disadvantaged communities. The aims of this study were to: (1) create 20 MN catchment areas for health, transport, education, social and recreational domains (2) describe the number of residential locations within 20 MN domain catchment areas and (3) describe variation in access to 20 MN domains by area-level socioeconomic status and urbanicity. 20 MN catchment areas (800-m) were created for 10 domains using road and path network analysis. All Scottish residential locations (n:146,190) were plotted, assigned area-level socioeconomic status and urbanicity. A dichotomised (yes/no) variable was created to identify whether it was within a 10-min walk of in idual 20 MN domains. One in five residential locations had access to all 10 20 MN domains (Urban: 28%, Rural: 5%). There was variation in proportion of residential locations that has access to at least one facility by domains 91% had access to at least one public transport stop and 84% a public open space. There was poorer access to primary care services (42%) and healthy food retailers (50%). Across all domains, access to at least one facility was greater within the most deprived areas. Access to 20 MN domains was greatest in areas where in idual health status tends to be worse. A policy focusing solely on improving access to key facilities and amenities for deprived areas may be ineffective in reducing health inequalities. Future studies should assess the quality of facilities and co-location with health damaging facilities, particularly within more deprived areas. Alternative policy approaches may be required for improving access to facilities and amenities for rural communities.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-11-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-019-0885-3
Abstract: Neighbourhood environments influence older adults’ health and health-enhancing behaviours, such as physical activity, eating a healthy diet and socialising. However, little is known about the effects of the neighbourhood environment on the health of older immigrants, the number of which is rapidly increasing in developed countries. Using Nominal Group Technique (NGT) sessions, this study of older Chinese immigrants to urban Melbourne, Australia, examined built and social environmental facilitators of and barriers to regular engagement in physical activity, eating a healthy diet and regular contact with other people. Participants were recruited from four types of neighbourhoods stratified by walkability and proportion of Chinese dwellers. Twelve NGTs, four specific to each of physical activity, healthy diet and social contacts were conducted in Mandarin or Cantonese (91 participants). NGT responses from groups addressing the same questions were aggregated, similar items were combined, and scores combined across groups. Inductive thematic analysis was used to categorise answers into higher-order themes of factors associated with each behaviour. For physical activity, 29 facilitators and 28 barriers were generated with the highest ranked facilitator and barrier being “proximity to destinations” and “poor/inadequate public transport”, respectively. For healthy diet, 25 facilitators and 25 barriers were generated, the highest ranked facilitator and barrier were “high food safety standards/regulations” and “lack of family/household members’ social support for a healthy diet”. The social contacts NGTs generated 23 facilitators and 22 barriers, with the highest ranked facilitator and barrier being “proximity to destinations and activities” and “poor public transport”, respectively. Independent living arrangements and the accessibility of destinations of daily living (e.g., bilingual health services, libraries, places of worship and grocery stores / supermarkets), recreational facilities, affordable public transport, and community centres and activities for Chinese people are key elements for promoting regular engagement in physical activity, healthy eating and socialising in older Chinese immigrants. Governments should plan for the provision of this basic infrastructure of community facilities for older immigrants.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-07-2015
DOI: 10.1071/HE14115
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-09-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-08-2022
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.532
Abstract: Previous research has highlighted children's frequent exposure to advertisements of unhealthy food and beverages on television. However, the food industry is increasingly utilising non‐broadcast channels such as outdoor advertising (eg billboards, bus shelters, shop fronts) for product marketing. Few studies have investigated children's exposure to outdoor food advertising around primary and secondary schools. This study aimed to quantify the presence and content of outdoor food advertisements within a 500 m radius of primary and secondary schools in Perth, Western Australia. A cross‐sectional design was used to capture outdoor advertisements within a 500 m radial buffer around the school boundary. The INFORMAS protocol for monitoring outdoor advertising around child‐serving institutions was used. Sixty‐four primary and secondary schools in Perth, Australia, were selected using random s ling within socio‐economic and population density strata. In total, 5636 outdoor advertisements were identified within a 500 m radius of all 64 schools combined and 30% were for food. Of the 1708 food advertisements, 74% were for unhealthy (non‐core) food. The most frequently advertised food products were alcohol, fast food and sugar‐sweetened beverages. Only 8% of food advertisements featured a healthy product. The majority of schools (75%) had at least one food advertisement within 500 m (mean 36, range 3‐190). Schools in lower socio‐economic areas had more food advertisements and a significantly higher proportion of unhealthy food advertisements within 250 m. Outdoor advertising around schools constitutes a potential frequent source of children's exposure to unhealthy food and alcohol advertising. Policy interventions restricting the content of outdoor food advertising near schools are needed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-09-2014
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12224
Abstract: Previous school obesity-prevention reviews have included multi-component interventions. Here, we aimed to review the evidence for the effect of isolated food environment interventions on both eating behaviours (including food purchasing) and/or body weight. Five electronic databases were searched (last updated 30 November 2013). Of the 1,002 unique papers identified, 55 reported on school food environment changes, based on a review of titles and abstracts. Thirty-seven further papers were excluded, for not meeting the inclusion criteria. The final selection consisted of 18 papers (14 United States, 4 United Kingdom). Two studies had a body mass index (BMI) outcome, 14 assessed purchasing or eating behaviours and two studies assessed both weight and behaviour. Seventeen of 18 papers reported a positive outcome on either BMI (or change in BMI) or the healthfulness of food sold or consumed. Two studies were rated as strong quality and 11 as weak. Only three studies included a control group. A school environment supportive of healthy eating is essential to combat heavy marketing of unhealthy food. Modification of the school food environment (including high-level policy changes at state or national level) can have a positive impact on eating behaviours. A need exists, however, for further high-quality studies.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 27-11-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012005083
Abstract: To investigate factors (ability, motivation and the environment) that act as barriers to limiting fast-food consumption in women who live in an environment that is supportive of poor eating habits. Cross-sectional study using self-reports of in idual-level data and objectively measured environmental data. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with frequency of fast-food consumption. Socio-economically disadvantaged areas in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Women ( n 932) from thirty-two socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods living within 3 km of six or more fast-food restaurants. Women were randomly s led in 2007–2008 as part of baseline data collection for the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality (READI) study. Consuming low amounts of fast food was less likely in women with lower perceived ability to shop for and cook healthy foods, lower frequency of family dining, lower family support for healthy eating, more women acquaintances who eat fast food regularly and who lived further from the nearest supermarket. When modelled with the other significant factors, a lower perceived shopping ability, mid levels of family support and living further from the nearest supermarket remained significant. Among those who did not perceive fruits and vegetables to be of high quality, less frequent fast-food consumption was further reduced for those with the lowest confidence in their shopping ability. Interventions designed to improve women's ability and opportunities to shop for healthy foods may be of value in making those who live in high-risk environments better able to eat healthily.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-09-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-02-2010
DOI: 10.1017/S136898001000385X
Abstract: To describe associations between demographic and in idual and area-level socio-economic variables and restricted household food access due to lack of money, inability to lift groceries and lack of access to a car to do food shopping. Multilevel study of three measures of restricted food access, i.e. running out of money to buy food, inability to lift groceries and lack of access to a car for food shopping. Multilevel logistic regression was conducted to examine the risk of each of these outcomes according to demographic and socio-economic variables. Random selection of households from fifty small areas in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003. The main food shoppers in each household ( n 2564). A lack of money was significantly more likely among the young and in households with single adults. Difficultly lifting was more likely among the elderly and those born overseas. The youngest and highest age groups both reported reduced car access, as did those born overseas and single-adult households. All three factors were most likely among those with a lower in idual or household socio-economic position. Increased levels of area disadvantage were independently associated with difficultly lifting and reduced car access. In Melbourne, households with lower in idual socio-economic position and area disadvantage have restricted access to food because of a lack of money and/or having physical limitations due difficulty lifting or lack of access to a car for food shopping. Further research is required to explore the relationship between physical restrictions and food access.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-11-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2005
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2008
Abstract: To examine whether compositional and/or contextual area characteristics are associated with area socioeconomic inequalities and between-area differences in recreational cycling. The city of Melbourne, Australia. 2349 men and women residing in 50 areas (58.7% response rate). Cycling for recreational purposes (at least once a month vs never). In a cross-sectional survey participants reported their frequency of recreational cycling. Objective area characteristics were collected for their residential area by environmental audits or calculated with Geographic Information Systems software. Multilevel logistic regression models were performed to examine associations between recreational cycling, area socioeconomic level, compositional characteristics (age, sex, education, occupation) and area characteristics (design, safety, destinations or aesthetics). After adjustment for compositional characteristics, residents of deprived areas were less likely to cycle for recreation (OR 0.66 95% CI 0.43 to 1.00), and significant between-area differences in recreational cycling were found (median odds ratio 1.48 (95% credibility interval 1.24 to 1.78). Aesthetic characteristics tended to be worse in deprived areas and were the only group of area characteristics that explained some of the area deprivation differences. Safety characteristics explained the largest proportion of between-area variation in recreational cycling. Creating supportive environments with respect to safety and aesthetic area characteristics may decrease between-area differences and area deprivation inequalities in recreational cycling, respectively.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 15-05-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980018001192
Abstract: The present qualitative study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of participants’ attitudes, knowledge, perceived effectiveness (a person’s belief that his/her behaviour can contribute to environmental preservation) and behaviours relating to a sustainable eating pattern. One-to-one interviews (either face-to-face or by telephone) were conducted following a structured interview schedule, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis in NVivo 10. Victorian (Australia) adult participants recruited via online advertisements, flyers on community advertisement boards and letterbox drops. Twenty-four participants (mean age 40 years, range 19–69 years thirteen female, eleven male) were interviewed. Participants reported that environmental impact was not an important influence on their food choice. Participants displayed limited knowledge about a sustainable eating pattern, with most unaware of the environmental impact of food-related behaviours. Most participants believed sustainable eating would be only slightly beneficial to the environment. Participants reported undertaking limited sustainable food behaviours currently and were more willing to undertake a food behaviour if they perceived additional benefits, such as promoting health or supporting the local community. The study suggests consumers need further information about a sustainable eating pattern and the environmental impact of food choice. The findings highlight some of the barriers that will need to be addressed when promoting this kind of eating pattern and that a range of interventions will be necessary.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-08-2016
Abstract: Low socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) disease risk, but the relative importance of SEP in childhood and adulthood, and of changes in SEP between these two life stages, remains unclear. Studies of families may help clarify these issues. We aimed to assess whether SEP in young adulthood, or change in SEP from childhood to young adulthood, was associated with five continuously measured CV risk factors. We used data from 286 adult Australian families from the Victorian Family Heart Study (VFHS), in which some offspring have left home (n = 364) and some remained at home (n = 199). SEP (defined as the Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage) was matched to addresses. We fitted variance components models to test whether young adult SEP and/or change in SEP was associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, after adjustment for parental SEP and within-family correlation. An increase in SEP of 100 SEIFA units from childhood to adulthood was associated with a lower BMI (β = -0.49 kg/m(2), P < 0.01) only. These results suggest that a change in SEP in young adulthood is an important predictor of BMI, independent of childhood SEP.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-056212
Abstract: Work hours and commute time are key contributors to time scarcity, with potential detrimental implications for healthy eating. This study examined (1) associations between work and commute hours with food practices and (2) within-in idual associations between changes in work and commute hours with changes in food practices. Longitudinal study Australia Data were from 14 807 respondents in waves 7 (2007), 9 (2009), 13 (2013) and 17 (2017) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. The s le for this analysis included in iduals who were in paid employment in at least one of the four waves. Outcomes included frequency of out-of-home food purchasing for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all three summed eating occasions, and fruit and vegetables consumption. Results indicated the longer in iduals spent working and commuting, the more likely they were to purchase out-of-home foods (frequency of total out-of-home food purchasing: incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.007 (95% CI 1.007 to 1.008)), and the less they consumed fruit and vegetables, although reductions in fruit and vegetables servings were minimal (fruit: β=−0.002 (95% CI −0.003 to –0.001), vegetables: β=−0.002 (95% CI −0.003 to –0.001)). Similar results regarding associations with out-of-home food purchasing were observed when examining within-in idual changes (IRR=1.006 (95% CI 1.005 to 1.007)). Results suggest employment-related time demands push towards more frequent out-of-home food purchasing. In the long term, this may have negative health consequences as out-of-home foods tend to be less healthy than home-prepared foods.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-09-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-05-2018
DOI: 10.1002/OSP4.275
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-03-2017
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 29-03-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980023000587
Abstract: To examine associations between work and commute hours with food consumption and test whether neighbourhood type (20-minute neighbourhood (20MN)/non-20MN) moderate associations. Cross-sectional analysis of the Places and Locations for Activity and Nutrition study (ProjectPLAN). Exposures were work hours (not working (0 h), working up to full-time (1–38 h/week), working overtime ( 38 h/week)), and among those employed, combined weekly work and commute hours (continuous). Outcomes were usual consumption of fruit, vegetables, takeaway food, snacks and soft drinks, and number of discretionary food types (takeaway, snacks and soft drinks) consumed weekly. Generalised linear models were fitted to examine associations between each exposure and outcome. The moderating role of neighbourhood type was examined through interaction terms between each exposure and neighbourhood type (20MN/non-20MN). Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, 2018–2019. Adults ≥ 18 years old ( n 769). Although all confidence intervals contained the null, overall, patterns suggested non-workers and overtime workers have less healthy food behaviours than up-to-full-time workers. Among those employed, analysis of continuous work and commute hours data suggested longer work and commute hours were positively associated with takeaway consumption (OR = 1·014, 95 % CI 0·999, 1·030, P -value = 0·066). Patterns of better behaviours were observed across most outcomes for those in 20MN than non-20MN. However, differences in associations between work and commute hours with food consumption across neighbourhood type were negligible. Longer work and commute hours may induce poorer food behaviours. There was weak evidence to suggest 20MN moderate associations between work and commute hours with food consumption, although behaviours appeared healthier for those in 20MN.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-01-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-09-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-01019-1
Abstract: The food stores within residential environments are increasingly investigated as a possible mechanism driving food behaviours and health outcomes. Whilst increased emphasis is being placed on the type of study designs used and how we measure the outcomes, surprisingly little attention gets erted to the measures of the food environment beyond calls for standardised approaches for food store coding and geographic scales of exposure. Food environments are a challenging concept to measure and model and the use of ratio and proportion measures are becoming more common in food environment research. Whilst these are seemingly an advance on single store type indicators, such as simply counting the number of supermarkets or fast food restaurants present, they have several limitations that do not appear to have been fully considered. In this article we report on five issues related to the use of ratio and proportion food environment measures: 1) binary categorisation of food stores 2) whether they truly reflect a more or less healthy food environment 3) issues with these measures not reflecting the quantity of food stores 4) difficulties when no stores are present and 5) complications in statistical treatment and interpretation of ratio and proportion measures. Each of these issues are underappreciated in the literature to date and highlight that ratio and proportion measures need to be treated with caution. Calls for the broader adoption of relative food environment measures may be misguided. Whilst we should continue to search for better ways to represent the complexity of food environments, ratio and proportion measures are unlikely to be the answer.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-06-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-02-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-021-01243-3
Abstract: Recent rapid growth in urban areas and the desire to create liveable neighbourhoods has brought about a renewed interest in planning for compact cities, with concepts like the 20-minute neighbourhood (20MN) becoming more popular. A 20MN broadly reflects a neighbourhood that allows residents to meet their daily (non-work) needs within a short, non-motorised, trip from home. The 20MN concept underpins the key planning strategy of Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne, however the 20MN definition has not been operationalised. This study aimed to develop and operationalise a practical definition of the 20MN and apply this to two Australian state capital cities: Melbourne (Victoria) and Adelaide (South Australia). Using the metropolitan boundaries for Melbourne and Adelaide, data were sourced for several layers related to five domains: 1) healthy food 2) recreational resources 3) community resources 4) public open space and 5) public transport. The number of layers and the access measures required for each domain differed. For ex le, the recreational resources domain only required a sport and fitness centre (gym) within a 1.5-km network path distance, whereas the public open space domain required a public open space within a 400-m distance along a pedestrian network and 8 ha of public open space area within a 1-km radius. Locations that met the access requirements for each of the five domains were defined as 20MNs. In Melbourne 5.5% and in Adelaide 7.6% of the population were considered to reside in a 20MN. Within areas classified as residential, the median number of people per square kilometre with a 20MN in Melbourne was 6429 and the median number of dwellings per square kilometre was 3211. In Adelaide’s 20MNs, both population density (3062) and dwelling density (1440) were lower than in Melbourne. The challenge of operationalising a practical definition of the 20MN has been addressed by this study and applied to two Australian cities. The approach can be adapted to other contexts as a first step to assessing the presence of existing 20MNs and monitoring further implementation of this concept.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-09-2013
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12080
Abstract: Retail food environments are increasingly considered influential in determining dietary behaviours and health outcomes. We reviewed the available evidence on associations between community (type, availability and accessibility of food outlets) and consumer (product availability, prices, promotions and nutritional quality within stores) food environments and dietary outcomes in order to develop an evidence-based framework for monitoring the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods and non-alcoholic beverages in retail food environments. Current evidence is suggestive of an association between community and consumer food environments and dietary outcomes however, substantial heterogeneity in study designs, methods and measurement tools makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The use of standardized tools to monitor local food environments within and across countries may help to validate this relationship. We propose a step-wise framework to monitor and benchmark community and consumer retail food environments that can be used to assess density of healthy and unhealthy food outlets measure proximity of healthy and unhealthy food outlets to homes/schools evaluate availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in-store compare food environments over time and between regions and countries evaluate compliance with local policies, guidelines or voluntary codes of practice and determine the impact of changes to retail food environments on health outcomes, such as obesity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 28-10-2015
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980013002796
Abstract: To examine the associations between financial, physical and transport conditions that may restrict food access (which we define as food security indicators) and the purchase of fast foods and nutritious staples such as bread and milk. Multilevel logistic and multinomial regression analysis of cross-sectional survey data to assess associations between the three indicators of food insecurity and household food shopping adjusted for sociodemographic and socio-economic variables. Random selection of households ( n 3995) from fifty Census Collector Districts in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003. The main food shoppers in each household ( n 2564). After adjustment for confounders, analysis showed that a greater likelihood of purchasing chain-brand fast food on a weekly basis compared with never was associated with running out of money to buy food (OR = 1·59 95 % CI 1·08, 2·34) and reporting difficulties lifting groceries (OR = 1·77 95 % CI 1·23, 2·54). Respondents without regular access to a car to do food shopping were less likely to purchase bread types considered more nutritious than white bread (OR = 0·75 95 % CI 0·59, 0·95) and milk types considered more nutritious than full-cream milk (OR = 0·62 95 % CI 0·47, 0·81). The food insecurity indicators were not associated with the purchasing of fruits, vegetables or non-chain fast food. Householders experiencing financial and physical barriers were more likely to frequently purchase chain fast foods while limited access to a car resulted in a lower likelihood that the nutritious options were purchased for two core food items (bread and milk). Policies and interventions that improve financial access to food and lessen the effect of physical limitations to carrying groceries may reduce the purchasing of fast foods. Further research is required on food sourcing and dietary quality among those with food access restrictions.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-04-2017
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYX040
Start Date: 2017
End Date: 2019
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 05-2017
End Date: 12-2021
Amount: $300,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity