Associations between the purchase of healthy and fast foods and restrictions to food access: a cross-sectional study in Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Objective: 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. Design: 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. Setting: Random selection of households (n 3995) from fifty Census Collector Districts in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003. Subjects: The main food shoppers in each household (n 2564). Results: 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 5 1?59; 95 % CI 1?08, 2?34) and reporting difficulties lifting groceries (OR 5 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 5 0?75; 95 % CI 0?59, 0?95) and milk types considered more nutritious than full-cream milk (OR 5 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. Conclusions: 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.

Where do people purchase food? A novel approach to investigating food purchasing locations

“…However, it is not possible to determine whether specific purchases made by active travel were due to personal preference or because of lack of access to a motor vehicle at the time of purchase. Whilst the benefits of active transport are well established, if purchase location was restricted because of limited vehicle access then this has the potential to result in less healthy food purchases [27]. …”

The Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Dietary Patterns, and Obesity

“…Bruening et al found that food insecurity is associated with more sugar-sweetened drinks and less salad, fruit, and vegetables being served at family meals, more fast food being served, and more binge eating. [25] Burns et al [26] found that having run out of money to buy food was associated with increased likelihood of purchasing fast-food from chain restaurants on a weekly basis.…”

Using social media to assess the consumer nutrition environment: comparing Yelp reviews with a direct observation audit instrument for grocery stores

“…A large body of research indicates that the nutrition environment, including the availability of food stores and restaurants within a community, and the quality and price of healthy food choices within these establishments, influences eating behaviour (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7) . Food stores that sell foods and beverages that can be prepared at home are an important element of the nutrition environment, particularly in the light of evidence that suggests at-home food preparation is associated with better dietary intake and more family meals (8,9) .…”