Local food environment and fruit and vegetable consumption: An ecological study

Adherence to dietary practices recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population among people with obesity: baseline of a community trial carried out at the Health Fitness Program in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 2022-2023

OBJECTIVE

To analyze sociodemographic and health factors associated with high levels of adherence to dietary practices recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population among people with obesity taking part in the Health Fitness Program in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of Health Fitness Program participants with obesity who were ≥20 years old. Sociodemographic and health data were collected, and the adherence to the Dietary Guidelines scale was assessed, classified as: low (<32 points), medium (32-41 points) and high (>41 points). Multivariate logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

In all, 1,109 individuals participated, the majority of whom were women (92.5%) and had at least one chronic disease (85.8%). The majority self-rated their health status as very good/good (62.2%), 62.8% had hypertension and 68.0% had Class 1 Obesity. 46.0% had good levels of adherence to the Dietary Guidelines. After adjustment, high levels of adherence were associated with being elderly (odds ratio [OR] 1.47; 95%CI 1.1; 2.0), having higher income (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.41; 0.81) and better self-rated health (regular: OR 0.73; 95%CI 0.55; 0.96; poor/very poor: OR 0.26; 95%CI 0.13; 0.52).

CONCLUSION

High levels of adherence to the Dietary Guidelines were associated with stage of life, better income and positive self-rated health, highlighting the need to target efforts towards adults and vulnerable groups.

Consumer nutrition environment measurements for nutrient-dense food availability and food sustainability: a scoping review

Consumer nutrition environments are defined as places in which consumers interact with the food they eat; these food choices can impact human and planetary health. Assessment measures for consumer nutrition environments are numerous, and vary widely on what, and how, they assess the food environment. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize existing evidence on nutrition environment measurements and their capacity to assess nutrient-dense food access and food sustainability capacity. Eligibility criteria were developed to capture relevant peer-reviewed literature about auditing measures designed to assess nutrient-dense foods and food sustainability capacity in the consumer nutrition environment. A search strategy was conducted to collect articles published between January 1, 2002-June 4, 2022, using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO and the Cochrane library electronic databases. After screening 2457 manuscripts, 58 met inclusion criteria. Study aims, funding source(s), types of retailers assessed, assessment format and name, constructs measured, food categories measured, assessment of validity and/or reliability, and other relevant data were extracted from each manuscript. Results showed that most measures use checklists, surveys, questionnaires or similar methods to assess availability, quality, and price of select food items as assessment constructs. Most do not assess nutrient-dense food availability, and even fewer assess food sustainability. Development of comprehensive, reliable, and valid consumer nutrition environment measures that assess nutrient-dense food availability and food sustainability is important for research, planning, evaluation and advocacy aimed at improving consumer food environments for human and planetary health.

"Academia da Saúde" program: mapping evidence from the largest health promotion community program in Brazil

The aim of this scoping review was to map the literature related to the "Academia da Saúde" Program, including the objective and rationale of the studies, activities carried out in the program's centers, as well as the actors involved in these actions. The search for evidence was conducted in the MEDLINE, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, COCHRANE, and SciELO databases. Additional evidence was investigated in the Catalog of Theses and Dissertations of the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES-Brazil) and in the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, in addition to manual searches in the references of the studies/documents. Out of 642 initial records, the information synthesis was composed of 74 studies/documents (n = 54; 73.0% scientific articles, n = 48; 64.9% with cross-sectional design, n = 45; 60.8% quantitative analysis). Nutrition (n = 24; 32.2%) and evaluation of the Program (n = 27; 36.5%) were the main themes analyzed. Regarding the participant/object analyzed in each study, users (n = 39; 52.6%) were the main actors investigated. Future studies should consider investigating the effectiveness of the actions developed in the program centers, especially physical activity and healthy eating practices.

Beyond the Plate: Uncovering Inequalities in Fruit and Vegetable Intake across Indonesian Districts

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for the deaths of 41 million individuals every year, with 77% of them occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Among the main NCD risk factors, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) was one of the leading causes of death in 2019. Our study aims to identify disparities in inadequate FV intake among adults in 514 districts. We utilized the latest Indonesian Basic Health Survey 2018 to conduct geospatial and quantitative analyses. We used the World Health Organization's definition of inadequate FV intake, which refers to consuming less than five servings of fruit and vegetables daily. We analyzed inadequate FV intake among adults over the age of 18 years, as well as by gender and age group (including young adults 18-24 years, adults 25-59 years, and older adults 60+ years). Our study showed an alarmingly high prevalence of inadequate FV intake among adults, with 96.3% in 2018. The prevalence of inadequate FV intake drastically varied across 514 districts, ranging from 70.1% to 100%. Notable geographic and socioeconomic disparities were observed across the districts studied. Rural districts exhibited a higher prevalence of inadequate FV intake, translating to poorer diets, particularly among females and older adults, when compared to their urban counterparts. Interestingly, districts within more developed regions had poorer FV diets than those in less developed regions. Although districts with lower incomes generally had poorer FV diets, the association was not significant in multivariate analysis. However, districts with lower levels of education demonstrated poorer FV diets, especially among females, adults, and older adults. Despite its limitations, our study provides crucial insights for health policies in Indonesia and other LMICs.

Association of the retail food environment, BMI, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic position in urban areas of Mexico

The retail food environment is a key modifiable driver of food choice and the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to assess the relationship between the density of food retailers, body mass index (BMI), dietary patterns, and socioeconomic position in Mexico. Cross-sectional dietary data, BMI and socioeconomic characteristics of adult participants came from the nationally representative 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey in Mexico. Geographical and food outlet data were obtained from official statistics. Densities of food outlets per census tract area (CTA) were calculated. Dietary patterns were determined using exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. The association of food environment variables, socioeconomic position, BMI, and dietary patterns was assessed using two-level multilevel linear regression models. Three dietary patterns were identified-the healthy, the unhealthy and the carbohydrates-and-drinks dietary pattern. Lower availability of fruit and vegetable stores was associated with an unhealthier dietary pattern whilst a higher restaurant density was associated with a carbohydrates-and-drinks pattern. A graded and inverse association was observed for fruit and vegetable store density and socioeconomic position (SEP)-lower-income populations had a reduced availability of fruit and vegetable stores, compared with higher-income populations. A higher density of convenience stores was associated with a higher BMI when adjusting for unhealthy dietary patterns. Upper-income households were more likely to consume healthy dietary patterns and middle-upper-income households were less likely to consume unhealthy dietary patterns when exposed to high densities of fruit and vegetable stores. When exposed to a high concentration of convenience stores, lower and upper-lower-income households were more likely to consume unhealthy dietary patterns. Food environment and sociodemographic conditions within neighbourhoods may affect dietary behaviours. Food environment interventions and policies which improve access to healthy foods and restrict access to unhealthy foods may facilitate healthier diets and contribute to the prevention of NCDs.

The urban built environment and adult BMI, obesity, and diabetes in Latin American cities

Latin America is the world's most urbanized region and its heterogeneous urban development may impact chronic diseases. Here, we evaluated the association of built environment characteristics at the sub-city -intersection density, greenness, and population density- and city-level -fragmentation and isolation- with body mass index (BMI), obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Data from 93,280 (BMI and obesity) and 122,211 individuals (T2D) was analysed across 10 countries. Living in areas with higher intersection density was positively associated with BMI and obesity, whereas living in more fragmented and greener areas were negatively associated. T2D was positively associated with intersection density, but negatively associated with greenness and population density. The rapid urban expansion experienced by Latin America provides unique insights and vastly expand opportunities for population-wide urban interventions aimed at reducing obesity and T2D burden.

An explorative study with convenience vegetables in urban Nigeria—The Veg-on-Wheels intervention

Nigerian consumers have been found to view vegetables as healthy and health is a principal motivation for consumption; however, consumers also experience barriers related to preparation time and availability of vegetables. We therefore conducted a Veg-on-Wheels intervention, in which ready-to-cook, washed and pre-cut green leafy vegetables (GLV) were kept cool and sold for five weeks at convenient locations near workplaces and on the open market in Akure, Nigeria. Surveys were conducted prior to the intervention with 680 consumers and during the final week of the intervention with 596 consumers near workplaces and 204 consumers at the open market. Both buyers and non-buyers of the intervention were included; 49% buyers in the workplace sample and 47% in the open market sample. The Veg-on-Wheels intervention was successful, with high awareness, positive attitudes and high customer satisfaction. GLV intake was higher for Veg-on-Wheels buyers compared with non-buyers after the intervention, i.e., 10.8 vs. 8.0 portions per week, respectively. Also the intake of other vegetables was higher in the intervention group. The motives and barriers for buyers and non-buyers differed across the selling locations: main barriers were trust in the vendor and GLV source. These trust issues and vendor preferences were viewed as more important to respondents at the market than those near workplaces. This study is the first intervention study on the selling of ready-to-cook convenience vegetables in urban Nigeria. It shows that a market exists for convenience vegetables and that they have the potential to increase vegetable intake. Insights on both the food environment and consumers’ motives and behaviour was crucial for designing and evaluating the intervention.

Improving Fruit and Vegetable Accessibility, Purchasing, and Consumption to Advance Nutrition Security and Health Equity in the United States

In recent years, national and local efforts to improve diet and health in the United States have stressed the importance of nutrition security, which emphasizes consistent access to foods and beverages that promote health and prevent disease among all individuals. At the core of this endeavor is fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, a dietary practice that is integral to attaining and sustaining a healthy diet. Unfortunately, significant inequities in FV accessibility, purchasing, and consumption exist, particularly among populations that are socially and economically disadvantaged. To achieve nutrition and health equity in the United States, the field must center the goal of nutrition security and initiatives that aim to increase FV consumption, specifically, in future work. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) Special Issue titled "Nutrition and Health Equity: Revisiting the Importance of Fruit and Vegetable Availability, Purchasing, and Consumption" features several scholarly publications from experts conducting timely research on these topics. In this commentary, we (1) summarize the U.S.-based literature on inequities in FV accessibility, purchasing, and consumption, (2) describe how the contributions to this IJERPH special issue can advance nutrition security and health equity, and (3) outline future research questions from our perspective.

Retail food environment in a Brazilian metropolis over the course of a decade: evidence of restricted availability of healthy foods

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in the retail food environment profile in a Brazilian metropolis over a 10-year period.

DESIGN

An ecological study was conducted in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The addresses of formal food establishments were geocoded and classified according to their sold-food profile. Density changes were analysed according to neighbourhood, population size, income level and geospatial distribution.

SETTING

Totally, 468 neighbourhoods in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

Totally, 83 752 formal food establishments registered for operation in any one or more of those years: 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2018.

RESULTS

There was an increase in unhealthy establishments (154 %), followed by mixed (51 %) and healthy establishments (32 %), during the period evaluated, in addition to an increase in density according to income categories. There was a higher proportion of unhealthy establishments in relation to healthy establishments, indicating worsening of the community food environment over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the course of 10 years, changes in the neighbourhood's food environment were unfavourable for adequate access to healthy foods in lower-income neighbourhoods. The findings reinforce the need for interventions aimed at increasing the availability of businesses that offer healthy food in the city.

Sources of food ready to consume around the Health Academy Program units: an analysis according to inequality

The aim of this study was to spatially examine the distribution of establishments for the acquisition of food that is ready to consume around the Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to the Municipal Human Development Index (IDH-M).This is an ecological study with the PAS as the unit of analysis. The establishments contained in a circular buffer with a radius of 900 meters from the 77 units of the PAS in operation were evaluated. Address and type of establishment data were obtained from a public list and verified in a virtual audit. Thematic kernel maps were used. A total of 3,050 establishments were identified around the PAS units. Higher densities were observed around units located in the city's south-central region and in areas with high and very high IDH-M. There was a high density of establishments selling ready-to-consume foods around the PAS units, especially in the wealthier parts of the city. These results are useful in supporting the planning of actions aimed at strengthening the PAS as a promoter of healthy eating environments. Further, it reinforces the need for equitable public policies for supply and regulation, aiming to promote access to adequate and healthy food for all.

Sources of food ready to consume around the Health Academy Program units: an analysis according to inequality

Abstract The aim of this study was to spatially examine the distribution of establishments for the acquisition of food that is ready to consume around the Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to the Municipal Human Development Index (IDH-M).This is an ecological study with the PAS as the unit of analysis. The establishments contained in a circular buffer with a radius of 900 meters from the 77 units of the PAS in operation were evaluated. Address and type of establishment data were obtained from a public list and verified in a virtual audit. Thematic kernel maps were used. A total of 3,050 establishments were identified around the PAS units. Higher densities were observed around units located in the city’s south-central region and in areas with high and very high IDH-M. There was a high density of establishments selling ready-to-consume foods around the PAS units, especially in the wealthier parts of the city. These results are useful in supporting the planning of actions aimed at strengthening the PAS as a promoter of healthy eating environments. Further, it reinforces the need for equitable public policies for supply and regulation, aiming to promote access to adequate and healthy food for all.

Association between the community food environment and dietary patterns in residents of areas of different socio-economic levels of a southern capital city in Brazil

This study aimed to verify the association between the community food environment and dietary patterns in a population of different socio-economic levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 400 adults and elderly aged between 20 and 70 years residing in the central area of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Four dietary patterns were explored: healthy, traditional Brazilian, refined carbohydrates and sugars, and fast food. The community food environment included the identification of all food stores by areas where individuals lived and auditing based on the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores (NEMS-S) score. Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95 % CI. After the adjustment for individual sociodemographic characteristics, residents of the area with the best community food environment (highest NEMS-S score) had 12 % and 18 % lower probabilities of high consumption (upper tertile) of the traditional (PR = 0·88; 95 % CI (0·78, 0·98)) and refined carbohydrate and sugar (PR = 0·82; 95 % CI (0·73, 0·92)) dietary patterns, respectively, compared with those living in the area with the worst community food environment (lowest NEMS-S score). Healthy and fast-food dietary patterns showed no association with the community food environment. In conclusion, the community food environment is a factor associated with the consumption of certain dietary patterns, independent of individual sociodemographic characteristics. Thus, aspects of the community food environment become important in food and nutrition actions and policies aimed at health promotion.

Food Retail Network Spatial Matching and Urban Planning Policy Implications: The Case of Beijing, China

Food is the core of urban daily life and socio-economic activities but is rarely the focus of urban planning. The spatial layout of food retail outlets is important for optimizing the urban food system, improving land resource allocation, and encouraging healthy food consumption. Based on food retail POI data, this study employed kernel density estimation, road network centrality, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and locational entropy to analyze the spatial characteristics of supermarkets, produce markets, and small stores in an urban center in Beijing, and explored street coupling and supply-demand matching. The results indicated that within the study area: (1) supermarkets had an obvious “core-periphery” distribution, produce markets had a polycentric distribution, and small stores had a relatively uniform distribution; (2) road network centrality indices revealed a differentiated multi-core-edge distribution; (3) streets with high locational entropy values for supermarkets and produce markets were mostly concentrated in the central area, whereas the matching distribution of small stores was relatively balanced. From the perspective of urban planning, policy implications are proposed based on spatial and social equity, urban-rural differences, population structure and distribution status, and a resilient supply chain. The study findings have practical significance for guiding the development of urban food systems in a healthy, just, and sustainable direction, as well as rational urban land planning.

Spatial distribution of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits in Belo Horizonte, Brazil: the role of the neighborhood environment

The study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits, and to assess its relationship with the neighborhood environment. Cross-sectional study with data of Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases, carried out in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Watching television for four hours or more per day was identified as sedentary behavior. Unhealthy eating habits were defined based on regular consumption of sodas, excess fat meat, and red meat, and irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables. Georeferenced data of places for physical activity, food establishments, population and residential density, homicide rate, mean total income, and social vulnerability index were entered into the Vigitel database. The coverage area by basic health units was used as the geographical unit of neighborhood. SaTScan was used to analyze the spatial distribution. Spatial analysis identified a significant cluster of high prevalence of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. The comparison of environmental characteristics inside and outside clusters showed significant differences in the physical and social environment. Physical and social environment might be related to clusters of high prevalence of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits.

Exploring the Geographic Variation in Fruit and Vegetable Purchasing Behaviour Using Supermarket Transaction Data

The existence of dietary inequalities is well-known. Dietary behaviours are impacted by the food environment and are thus likely to follow a spatial pattern. Using 12 months of transaction records for around 50,000 ‘primary’ supermarket loyalty card holders, this study explores fruit and vegetable purchasing at the neighbourhood level across the city of Leeds, England. Determinants of small-area-level fruit and vegetable purchasing were identified using multiple linear regression. Results show that fruit and vegetable purchasing is spatially clustered. Areas purchasing fewer fruit and vegetable portions typically had younger residents, were less affluent, and spent less per month with the retailer.

Spatial influence on qualitative food consumption in Colombia

Spatial location is a factor that may facilitate the consumption of processed foods due to the ease of access, especially in highly urbanized, high density populations. This study presents the differences in food consumption in populations with different densities and urban and rural characteristics, and income above and below ten dollars a day. A sample of 2,130 subjects was used from 9 populations that included the Capital of Colombia, outlying medium-sized municipalities, metropolitan-area municipalities and small villages. The results confirm that processed and ultra-processed foods are consumed more in cities and urban areas than in smaller and rural populations, and that there are differences in consumption generated by income.

Fruit and vegetable consumption among older adults: influence of urban food environment in a medium-sized Brazilian city

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between urban food environment and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) by older adults from a medium-sized Brazilian city.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study based on data related to (1) objective assessment of establishments with predominant sale of unprocessed/minimally processed foods, mixed establishments and establishments with predominant sale of ultra-processed foods; (2) regular consumption of FV (≥ 5 times/week), health and socio-demographic variables of community-dwelling older adults. Tertiles of proximity between food establishments and older adults' residence were calculated. Poisson generalised estimating equations with robust variance, adjusted for individual and contextual variables, were used to estimate the independent association between the proximity of establishments and regular consumption of FV.

SETTING

Medium-sized Brazilian city.

SUBJECTS

Representative sample of community-dwelling older adults (n 549).

RESULTS

Older adults travelled the longest distances to establishments with predominant sale of unprocessed/minimally processed foods. The longer the distance to establishments with predominant sale of unprocessed/minimally processed foods, the lower the prevalence of regular consumption of FV (tertile 2: prevalence ratio (PR) = 0·86; 95 % CI = 0·74, 0·99; tertile 3: PR = 0·84; 95 % CI = 0·72, 0·97). Older adults living larger distance tertiles from establishments with predominant sale of ultra-processed foods, mixed establishments or all categories of establishments had 16 % (PR = 0·84; 95 % CI = 0·73, 0·96), 19 % (PR = 0·81; 95 % CI = 0·71, 0·93) and 19 % (PR = 0·81; 95 % CI = 0·70, 0·94) lower prevalence of regular consumption of FV, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The food environment is associated with regular consumption of FV among older adults. Longer distances from the residence of older adults to food establishments are independently associated with lower prevalence of regular consumption of FV.

[Food environment in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: the association with neighborhood sociodemographic variables]

The scope of this study is to describe the food environment of a medium-sized municipality in southern Brazil and compare the availability of different types of food outlets in neighborhood socioeconomic and demographic environments. An ecological study was carried out in 45 buffers of 400m in São Leopoldo county, RS. The buffer was calculated from the center point of the residences of women participating in a larger research project. All streets were surveyed to identify food stores and record their geographical coordinates, as well as apply the NEMS questionnaire on the availability, price and quality of 108 items. The commercial outlets were classified as supermarkets, grocery stores, fruit stores and convenience stores. Supermarkets and grocery stores were present in higher quantity in lower income buffers and grocery stores were more prevalent in those with higher population tertiles. Another result was a direct relationship between NEMS and tertile income scores for supermarkets, grocery stores and fruit stores, and an indirect relationship for the same stores and population tertile. The availability of healthy food was higher in areas with higher income and lower numbers of inhabitants, indicating the need for better distribution of food stores and availability of varieties of food in the municipality.

An Emergent Framework of the Market Food Environment in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

BACKGROUND

Food systems are increasingly recognized as critical for advancing nutrition, and the food environment is viewed as the nexus between those systems and dietary consumption. Developing a measurement framework of the market food environment is a research priority, particularly for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which face rapid shifts in markets, dietary patterns, and nutrition outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we sought to assess current conceptions and measures of the market food environment that could be adapted for use in LMICs.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of the literature to identify measures of the market food environment in recent use. First, we identified and reviewed frameworks of the food environment for LMICs with a specific focus on the market food environment. Second, we compiled 141 unique measures of the market food environment from 20 articles into a list that was pile-sorted by 5 nutrition experts into domains. We then categorized the measures based on percentage agreement across all sorts. Finally, we compared measured and conceptual domains of the market food environment to identify measurement gaps and needed adaptations.

RESULTS

Conceptual frameworks provide differing definitions of the market food environment but conform in their definitions of food availability, price, marketing, and product characteristics. Greater clarity is needed in defining relevant vendor and product characteristics. Eight measured domains of the market food environment emerged from the literature review, with significant overlap among conceptual domains. Measurement gaps exist for food quality, safety, packaging, desirability, and convenience. Personal characteristics also emerged as measured domains, although these are not part of the food environment per se.

CONCLUSIONS

These results are a step toward elucidating how, why, and where we measure the market food environment in LMICs. Future research should focus on prioritizing the most meaningful methods and metrics and on developing new measures where gaps exist.

Food consumption, overweight, obesity, and sociodemographic profile in a Brazilian capital: a time trend analysis between 2006 and 2018

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the time trend of sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of food consumption, overweight, and obesity variables among adults in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between 2006 and 2018. Methods A time series study involving data from the Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (Vigitel, Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey), between 2006 and 2018 in Belo Horizonte (n=25,443). The annual prevalence of the population’s sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age groups, and years of schooling), and risk and protective factors for chronic diseases related to food consumption and nutritional status were estimated. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to investigate the temporal variation of each variable. Results From 2006 to 2018, there was a significant increase in the age and educational level of the adult population of Belo Horizonte. In the same period, the prevalence of recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables increased (from 23.0% to 29.2%), while that of consumption of fat-rich meat and regular consumption of soft drinks decreased (respectively, from 41.9% to 38.0%; from 35.3% to 15.2%). In parallel, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased (respectively, from 38.5% to 53.3%; from 9.8% to 17.2%). Conclusions An important change in the population’s sociodemographic profile was noted. There are also favorable changes regarding the investigated aspects of food consumption, without these being sufficient to prevent the significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population.

Comparison of food and beverage products' availability, variety, price and quality in German and US supermarkets

Objective:

To assess availability, variety, price and quality of different food products in a convenience sample of supermarkets in Germany and the USA.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using an adapted version of the Bridging the Gap Food Store Observation Form.

Setting:

Information on availability, quality, price and variety of selected food products in eight German and seven US supermarkets (discount and full service) was obtained and compared by country.

Results:

A general tendency for lower prices of fruits and vegetables in Germany was observed, while produce quality and variety did not seem to differ between countries, with the exception of the variety of some vegetables such as tomatoes. Chips and cereals did not differ significantly in variety nor price. In both countries, high energy-dense foods were lower in energy costs than lower energy-dense foods.

Conclusions:

The influence of food prices and availability on consumption should be further explored, including the impact of country differences.

Digital food environment of a Brazilian metropolis: food availability and marketing strategies used by delivery apps

OBJECTIVE

Food delivery apps represent an important and emerging dimension of the digital food environment. This study aimed to examine food availability and the use of marketing strategies by two food delivery apps in a Brazilian metropolis.

DESIGN

An exploratory study was conducted in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Food groups were identified and the use of price discounts and photos by the apps was observed.

SETTING

Eighteen neighbourhoods and the ten best rated restaurants in each app.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred sixty-two commercial food establishments.

RESULTS

The proportion of ultra-processed beverages on offer in the apps (78·45 %) was much higher in comparison with water (48·89 %), natural juices or smoothies (27·07 %). Ultra-processed ready-to-eat meals represented almost 70 % of the food offered in the establishments' menus, while traditional meals and vegetables represented just over 30 % of the offering. Ice cream, candies and salty packaged snacks were nine times more frequently presented than fruits. The use of photos and price discounts prevailed predominantly among ultra-processed beverages, sandwiches and ice cream, candies and salty packaged snacks. These marketing strategies were least used for promoting fruits and vegetables.

CONCLUSIONS

Restaurants registered on food delivery apps offered a significant amount of ultra-processed foods with price discounts and photos in comparison with unprocessed and minimally processed foods.

[Spatial distribution of public outlets for fruit and vegetable sales in Curitiba in the state of Paraná, Brazil]

Greater availability of fruit and vegetables (FV) may enhance the consumption of these food products. This study sought to investigate demographic and household income inequalities in the spatial distribution of FV in the city of Curitiba, State of Paraná. A total of 106 FV outlets were listed in the 10 administrative regions on the City Hall Supply Department website. Data on population and household income of the administrative regions were obtained from the 2010 Demographic Census. The food sale outlets were identified, and subsequently analyzed for the correlation between the regions by the Moran index. A total of 407 food stands were evaluated in 103 public facilities that commercialized FV. A concentration of street food markets in the central areas of the city, with a global Moran index of 0.99, was observed. In the regions, only one did not have an outlet (Tatuquara). There was a higher concentration of outlets in the higher-income regions (9.82/10,000 inhabitants) compared to those with the lower income regions (2.60/10,000 inhabitants) (p <0.001). Inequities were observed in the supply and in the quality of FV available in public facilities in lower-income regions, which should be considered by administrators when planning distribution in these locations.

Sociodemographic differences affecting insufficient fruit and vegetable intake: a population-based household survey of Thai people

Purpose

The sociodemographic determinants of insufficient fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in the general population in Thailand remain understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and insufficient FV consumption in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

This nationally representative survey employed a cross-sectional multi-stage sampling design. A total of 6,991 individuals aged 15 years or older participated in the study. Information on participants' FV consumption and sociodemographic characteristics were collected via questionnaire. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Findings

The overall prevalence of insufficient FV consumption in the study sample was 65.6%. Age of the participants, sex, marital status, place of residence, occupation, income and education were found to be significantly associated with insufficient FV consumption among this sample of the Thai population.

Originality/value

Findings suggest the need for promotion of FV consumption and intervention policies aimed at increasing FV intake by taking into account sociodemographic characteristics of the population.

Neighborhood food environment and consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables: Pro-Saude Study, Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between availability of different types of retail food stores and consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables.

STUDY DESIGN

This study is a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data were derived from 2032 adults living in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participating in the longitudinal Pro-Saude Study. Exposure to street markets, fruit and vegetable stores, groceries and markets, unhealthy food outlets, restaurants, and supermarkets within 1600 m buffers was obtained by georeferencing residential addresses. Consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables was assessed via two single questions, categorized as 'yes' (≥4 days/week) and 'no' (<3 days/week). Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess relationships of interest adjusted for surrounding average monthly income, sex, age, education, and family income per capita.

RESULTS

Except for supermarkets, the presence of a greater number of retail food stores - irrespective of the type - was associated with higher odds of consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables than with areas with a lower number (e.g. odds ratio = 1.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.13-1.91).

CONCLUSIONS

The greater availability of several types of retail food stores close to participants' residences was associated with higher consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables in Rio de Janeiro.

Disparities in food consumption between economically segregated urban neighbourhoods

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between economic residential segregation and prevalence of healthy and unhealthy eating markers.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional. A stratified sample was selected in a three-stage process. Prevalence of eating markers and their 95 % CI were estimated according to economic residential segregation: high (most segregated); medium (integrated) and low (less segregated or integrated). Segregation was measured at the census tract and assessed using the Getis-Ord local $G_i^{\rm{\ast}}$ statistic based on the proportion of heads of household in a neighbourhood earning a monthly income of 0-3 minimum wages. Binary logistic regression using generalized estimating equations were used to model the associations.

SETTING

Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults (n 1301) residing in the geographical environment (178 census tracts) of ten units of the Brazilian primary-care service known as the Health Academy Program.

RESULTS

Of the 1301 participants, 27·7 % lived in highly segregated neighbourhoods, where prevalence of regular consumption of fruit was lower compared with more affluent areas (34·6 v. 53·2 %, respectively). Likewise, regular consumption of vegetables (70·1 v. 87·6 %), fish (23·6 v. 42·3 %) and replacement of lunch or dinner with snacks (0·8 v. 4·7 %) were lower in comparison to more affluent areas. In contrast, regular consumption of beans was higher (91·0 v. 79·5 %). The associations of high-segregated neighbourhood with consumption of vegetables (OR = 0·62; 95 % CI 0·39, 0·98) and beans (OR = 1·85; 95 % CI 1·07, 3·19) remained significant after adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

Economic residential segregation was associated with healthy eating markers even after adjustments for individual-level factors and perceived food environment.

A Systematic Review on Socioeconomic Differences in the Association between the Food Environment and Dietary Behaviors

Little is known about socioeconomic differences in the association between the food environment and dietary behavior. We systematically reviewed four databases for original studies conducted in adolescents and adults. Food environments were defined as all objective and perceived aspects of the physical and economic food environment outside the home. The 43 included studies were diverse in the measures used to define the food environment, socioeconomic position (SEP) and dietary behavior, as well as in their results. Based on studies investigating the economic (n = 6) and school food environment (n = 4), somewhat consistent evidence suggests that low SEP individuals are more responsive to changes in food prices and benefit more from healthy options in the school food environment. Evidence for different effects of availability of foods and objectively measured access, proximity and quality of food stores on dietary behavior across SEP groups was inconsistent. In conclusion, there was no clear evidence for socioeconomic differences in the association between food environments and dietary behavior, although a limited number of studies focusing on economic and school food environments generally observed stronger associations in low SEP populations. (Prospero registration: CRD42017073587)

Monotony in the consumption of fruits and vegetables and food environment characteristics

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the quantity and diversity in the consumption fruits and vegetables, as well as its relationship with the consumer's purchase characteristics and food environment.

METHODS

Baseline study stemming from a controlled and randomized community trial investigating a sample representative of Primary Health Care services (Health Academy Program) of Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais. The intake of fruits and vegetables was analyzed in servings/day, whereas diversity was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Users were also questioned on the frequency, purchase location and availability of these foods at their households. To assess the consumer's food environment, commercial establishments within a 1.6 km radius around the program unit sampled were audited.

RESULTS

3,414 adults and older adults (88.1% women) were investigated, as well as 336 commercial establishments, in 18 units of the Health Academy Program. The average consumption of fruits and vegetables was adequate [5.4 (SD = 2.1) servings/day] but monotonous, with average daily intake of two different types. In the establishments audited, a good diversity (77.7% and 85.0%) and variety (74.5% and 81.4%) of fruits and vegetables was observed, although with lower quality of vegetables (60.4%). After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, we identified that knowledge on food crops (p = 0.006), increased monthly availability of fruits at households (p < 0.001), and greater variety of fruits (p = 0.03) and quality of vegetables (p = 0.05) in commercial establishments could improve the quantitative intake of fruits and vegetables, whereas a greater variety of fruits (p = 0.008) would increase consumption diversity.

CONCLUSIONS

The intake of fruits and vegetables was quantitatively adequate but monotonous, being influences by the consumer environment. Such results highlight the need for improving educational actions in health services and programs, in addition to acting on the consumer environment, aiming to promote and maintain the adequate and diversified consumption, as recommended by Brazilian guidelines for proper and healthy eating.

Food environment, income and obesity: a multilevel analysis of a reality of women in Southern Brazil

The objective of this study was to explore relationships between the neighborhood food environment and obesity in urban women living in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was carried out. This study was conducted with 1,096 women. Structured interviews were conducted using a standard pre-tested questionnaire. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2. Circular buffers of 400m in radius were created based on the centroid of the women's houses who participated, in the 45 census tracts inhabited by them. Neighborhood food establishments were identified through systematic survey of all streets in the study areas and geographical coordinates of shops were collected. Establishments were evaluated using the NEMS tool. The prevalence of obesity was 33% among the women participants. After adjusting for individual variables, supermarkets and healthy food establishments were positively associated with obesity, PR = 1.05 (95%CI: 1.01-1.10), PR = 1.02 (95%CI: 1.00-1.04), respectively, while mean buffer income was negatively associated, PR = 0.64 (95%CI: 0.49-0.83). Neighborhood food environment factors were associated with obesity even after controlled for individual variables, as socioeconomic variables, behavioral and food purchase.

[Food environment: validation of a method for measurement and characterization in the territory with the Health Academy Program]

The study aimed to verify the validity of secondary data in the investigation of the food environment and to analyze the characteristics of the community environment and consumers in territories covered by a health promotion service. This was an ecological study in 18 units of the Health Academy Program in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, selected by simple cluster sampling. Validation of the establishments marketing fruits and vegetables, obtained from public databases, was done via telephone contact, Google Street View, and on-site audit. The following variables were investigated in the community food environment: type and location of the establishment; consumer's environment: availability, variety, price, and advertising of fruits and vegetables; availability and variety of ultra-processed foods; and hygienic and sanitary conditions. The access to healthy foods index was used to measure access to these foods. The on-site audit revealed weak concordance (45.7%) with the secondary databases. Of the 298 establishments, the majority were bulk grocery stores and open-air markets (61.3%), which showed the highest availability of healthy foods, but also marketed large amounts of ultra-processed foods (60.7%). One-third of the establishments showed substandard hygienic and sanitary conditions. The secondary databases showed low validity, emphasizing the need to audit the establishments. The establishments also showed a striking presence of ultra-processed foods and poor hygiene and sanitation.

Association between food insecurity and food intake

BACKGROUND

We aim to identify the prevalence of food insecurity and to ascertain the association between food insecurity and food intake.

METHOD

A cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

The study included users of a primary healthcare service in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from 2013 to 2014. Socioeconomic, health, and food intake data were gathered using a questionnaire and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale.

SUBJECTS

Individuals 20 years old or older (n = 2817).

RESULTS

The prevalence of food insecurity among families with individuals under 18 years was 41.0%, and 26.4% in other households. After adjusting for potential confounders, the households in food insecurity with members under 18 years old, the consumption of fruits and vegetables (RP = 0.70, 95%IC: 0.58-0.84), and fruits (RP = 0.74, 95%IC: 0.59-0.93) was lower; and consumption of beans was higher (RP = 1.49, 95%IC: 1.06-2.09) compared to those with food security. In households without members under 18 years old, the consumption of fruits and vegetables (RP = 0.68, 95%IC: 0.58-0.79), fruits (RP = 0.61, 95%IC: 0.50-0.74), and beans (RP = 0.78, 95%IC: 0.63-0.97) was lower; and the consumption of tubers (RP = 1.36, 95%IC: 1.03-1.79) was higher. However, the state of food insecurity did not affect the consumption of ultra-processed foods, independently of age, sex, marital status, educational level, and employed status.

CONCLUSION

Food insecurity negatively affected the fruit and vegetable consumption in both types of families tested. The consumption of beans was higher in households with children and adolescents, and the consumption of tubers was higher in households without children and adolescents. However, food insecurity did not change the intake of ultraprocessed foods.

Perception versus intake of fruit and vegetables

ABSTRACT Objective To compare perception and intake of fruit and vegetables, and to identify the factors associated with misperception of intake. Methods Cross-sectional study with 3,414 participants of the Health Academy Program from Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil. Stages of change from Transtheoretical Model were used to evaluate perception of intake, and questions adapted from national surveys were used to assess intake of fruit and vegetables as separate groups. Individuals whose intake and perception were discordant were reclassified in pseudo-maintenance (wrongly believe their intake is adequate) or non-reflective action (wrongly believe their intake is inadequate). Results Insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables and misperception of intake were observed. Pseudo-maintenance was more prevalent, given that 45.1% of individuals were reclassified in this stage regarding their vegetable intake and 22.9% regarding fruit. According to multinomial logistic regression, pseudo-maintenance of fruit intake was associated with sex, schooling, food and nutrition security, weight satisfaction, and participation in nutrition interventions; pseudo-maintenance of vegetable intake was associated with schooling and weight satisfaction. Non-reflective action was associated with age. Conclusion An important discordance between perception and intake was found, with emphasis on pseudo-maintenance of vegetable intake. Misperception was associated with different factors regarding fruit and vegetables, including sociodemographic variables, participation in nutrition interventions, and weight satisfaction. These results can contribute to the design of interventions aligned with eating behavior, aimed to empower individuals for their food choices.