The Neighbourhood Food Environment and Self-Reported Food Intake and Food Selection
Creators: Kouritzin, Trevor M
Publisher: name: University of Alberta Library
Year: 2024

<p>The neighbourhood food environment, defined as the exposure to (measured as availability, density, or distance to) healthy and unhealthy food outlets around places within which individuals gravitate, including home, schools, workplaces, and beyond, plays a complex role in influencing food intake and food selection. This dissertation comprises three studies that collectively explore various dimensions of the neighbourhood food environment and its influence on food intake and selection.<br>
Study 1 aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the changes in food intake and food selection following physical relocation in non-refugee populations. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS from 1946 to August 2022. Four articles met the inclusion criteria, providing both longitudinal (N = 2) and cross-sectional (N = 2) evidence. The findings suggest that relocation to an urban neighbourhood with more convenience stores, cafés, and restaurants is associated with increased unhealthy food intake among adults. Factors such as income, vehicle access, cost, availability, and perceptions of the local food environment were also influential. <br>
Study 2 examined the changes in food intake, food selection, and the related capability, opportunity, and motivation for healthy eating behaviours (COM-B) among older adults who had relocated within the past 12 months (&quot;movers&quot;) compared to those who had not (&quot;non-movers&quot;). The cross-sectional study included 155 English-speaking older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) residing in various housing types across Alberta. No significant differences were observed in food intake, food selection, or COM-B constructs by relocation status. These findings highlight the complexity of dietary behaviours and the multiple factors influencing them, suggesting a need for future longitudinal studies with larger and more diverse samples.<br>
Study 3 investigated whether food intake and selection, perceptions of the neighbourhood food environment, and perceived food availability, accessibility, and affordability differed between winter and non-winter seasons among older adults. The cross-sectional study included 155 English-speaking older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) residing in independent units across Alberta. The results indicated no significant seasonal differences in food intake, food selection or perceptions of the neighbourhood food environment, food availability, accessibility, and affordability. This stability may be attributed to consistent food availability and established shopping habits among older adults. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and objective measures of dietary intake to better understand the interaction between seasonal variations and dietary outcomes.<br>
In summary, this dissertation provides novel insights into the influence of relocation and seasonal variations on dietary behaviours among older adults in Canada, highlighting the need for more comprehensive research to inform policies and interventions aimed at increased fruit and vegetable consumption in this population.</p>