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Methods of measuring associations between the Retail Food Environment and weight status: Importance of classifications and metrics.

ABSTRACT: Despite considerable research, evidence supporting associations between the 'Retail Food Environment' (RFE) and obesity remains mixed. Differences in the methods used to measure the RFE may explain this heterogeneity. Using data on a large (n = 10,111) sample of adults from the Yorkshire Health Study (UK), we modelled cross-sectional associations between the RFE and weight status using (i) multiple definitions of 'Fast Food', 'Convenience' and 'Supermarkets' and (ii) multiple RFE metrics, identified in a prior systematic review to be common in the literature. Both the choice of outlet definition and the choice of RFE metric substantively impacted observed associations with weight status. Findings differed in relation to statistical significance, effect sizes, and directions of association. This study provides novel evidence that the diversity of RFE measurement methods is contributing to heterogeneous study findings and conflicting policy messages. Greater attention is needed when selecting and communicating RFE measures in research.

SUBMITTER: Wilkins E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6582068 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Methods of measuring associations between the Retail Food Environment and weight status: Importance of classifications and metrics.

Wilkins Emma E Morris Michelle M Radley Duncan D Griffiths Claire C

SSM - population health 20190504

Despite considerable research, evidence supporting associations between the 'Retail Food Environment' (RFE) and obesity remains mixed. Differences in the methods used to measure the RFE may explain this heterogeneity. Using data on a large (n = 10,111) sample of adults from the Yorkshire Health Study (UK), we modelled cross-sectional associations between the RFE and weight status using (i) multiple definitions of 'Fast Food', 'Convenience' and 'Supermarkets' and (ii) multiple RFE metrics, identi ...[more]

PMID: 31245526

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Project description:PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess whether the retail food environment, measured by multiple indicators around the home and in activity space, was associated with the nutritional quality of food purchases.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 462 households from a quota sampling survey conducted in the south of France (Montpellier Metropolitan Area). The revised Healthy Purchase Index was implemented in order to assess the nutritional quality of food purchases. Food environment indicators (presence, number, relative density and proximity of food outlets) were calculated around the home and in activity space using a geographical information system. Six different types of food outlets were studied: supermarkets, markets, greengrocers, bakeries, other specialized food stores (butcher's, fishmonger's and dairy stores) and small grocery stores. Associations between food environment and the nutritional quality of food purchases were assessed using multilevel models, and geographically weighted regressions to account for spatial non-stationarity. Models were adjusted for households' socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.ResultsThe nutritional quality of food purchases was positively associated with the number of greengrocers around the home (1 vs. 0: β = 0.25, 95%CI = [0.01, 0.49]; >1 vs. 0: β = 0.25, 95%CI = [0.00, 0.50]), but negatively associated with the number of markets around the home (1 vs. 0: β = -0.20, 95%CI = [-0.40, 0.00]; >1 vs. 0: β = -0.37, 95%CI = [-0.69, -0.06]). These associations varied across space in the area studied. For lower income households, the number of greengrocers in activity space was positively associated with the nutritional quality of food purchases (1 vs. 0: β = 0.70, 95%CI = [0.12, 1.3]; >1 vs. 0: β = 0.67, 95%CI = [0.22, 1.1]).ConclusionsGreengrocers might be an effective type of food store for promoting healthier dietary behaviors. Further studies, particularly interventional studies, are needed to confirm these results in order to guide public health policies in actions designed to improve the food environment.

Dataset Information

Methods of measuring associations between the Retail Food Environment and weight status: Importance of classifications and metrics.

Publications

Methods of measuring associations between the Retail Food Environment and weight status: Importance of classifications and metrics.

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