Publication
Title
Exploring the influence of local food environments on food behaviours : a systematic review of qualitative literature
Author
Abstract
Objective: 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. Design: A systematic review in the form of a qualitative thematic synthesis. Setting: Urban localities. Subjects: Adults. Results: Four analytic themes were identified from the review including community and consumer nutrition environments, other environmental factors and individual 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. Individuals 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. Conclusions: 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 individual and household socio-economic characteristics that contribute to the differing use of and views towards local food environments. Greater emphasis on how individual 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.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Public health nutrition. - -
Public health nutrition. - Cambridge, Mass.
Publication
2017
ISSN
1368-9800
DOI
10.1017/S1368980017001069
Volume/pages
20 :13 (2017) , p. 2393-2405
ISI
000416029500014
Pubmed ID
28587691
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 07.10.2021
Last edited 06.12.2024
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