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Palascha A, Chang BPI. Which messages about healthy and sustainable eating resonate best with consumers with low socio-economic status? Appetite 2024; 198:107350. [PMID: 38609012 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Consumers with low socioeconomic status (SES) eat less healthy and sustainable diets than consumers with higher status. This is attributed, at least in part, to inequalities in health communication. An online survey with 134 socioeconomically disadvantaged consumers in Italy was conducted to test the effectiveness of tailor-made communication material (infographics) about healthy and sustainable eating (HSE). Participants were recruited at two social supermarkets by a social service organisation as well as via a crowdsourcing platform. Participants found information about HSE delivered through infographics moderately effective in increasing motivation, capability, and opportunity for HSE, and moderately useful and likely to impact their behaviour. Certain messages were more effective than others for native consumers, while migrants showed more indifferent responses to the various messages and manifested lower motivation to shift towards HSE, limited access to and seeking of nutrition-related information, and lower trust in information sources. Selecting which messages to deliver strategically, while also considering differences between segments of the target audience and their preferred sources and channels for communication, is promising; yet, structural changes related to food's affordability and availability are also needed to facilitate an effective communication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Betty P I Chang
- European Food Information Council, Rue Belliard 2A, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Lewis M, Nash S, Lee AJ. Cost and Affordability of Habitual and Recommended Diets in Welfare-Dependent Households in Australia. Nutrients 2024; 16:659. [PMID: 38474788 PMCID: PMC10935407 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
It is crucial to ensure healthy diets are affordable in low socioeconomic groups, such as welfare-dependent households, who experience higher rates of diet-related disease than others. This study assessed the cost of habitual (unhealthy) and recommended (healthy) diets in six welfare-dependent and six other, comparable Australian households, using either popular branded products or the cheapest available alternatives. It also assessed diet affordability in welfare-dependent households, before and after modest increases in government welfare payments introduced in early September 2023. Results confirmed that recommended diets were less expensive than habitual diets in all households unless the cheapest available products were included. This strategy reduced habitual diet costs by 35-37% and recommended diet costs by 30-32%. The lower cost differential could aid perceptions that healthy foods are more expensive than unhealthy foods. In April 2023, 23-37% of the income of welfare-dependent households with children was required to purchase recommended diets; this reduced only to 20-35% in September 2023. Hence, the increases in welfare payments were insufficient to meaningfully improve the affordability of healthy diets in the most vulnerable Australians. In the current cost-of-living crisis, there is an urgent need for more welfare support to help purchase healthy diets. Monitoring of diet cost and affordability is also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meron Lewis
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (S.N.); (A.J.L.)
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Molenaar A, Bucello P, Kleve S. Harnessing community expertise in understanding food insecurity to inform responses in a local government area in Victoria, Australia: a mixed methods photovoice study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1996. [PMID: 37833654 PMCID: PMC10571378 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local food systems which support affordable, equitable, accessible, and sustainable food are important to enhance food access and reduce food insecurity. Cardinia Shire Council, a local government in Victoria, Australia has developed and endorsed a 'Community Food Strategy' to support their local food system and food security. This study aimed to explore local government community member perspectives regarding food access within their local food environment, and suggested areas to be addressed to better support access. METHODS A sequential mixed methods photovoice methodology was implemented. Participants aged over 18 years, who resided in Cardinia Shire, completed an online quantitative survey to explore demographics, food access and food security status and severity (18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module). The qualitative photovoice method was used, whereby participants were asked to take photographs that represent their experiences of food access. These photographs were used as prompts in a semi-structured interview Interview data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Seventeen participants completed the study, of which five participants experienced varied severity levels of food insecurity. From the photovoice interviews four themes were developed: 1) Food: a connector to self, people and place, 2) Influencers of food access and triggers for food insecurity, 3) Savvy food literacy skills to support access to food, 4) Consequences of and struggles with food insecurity. Participants suggested recommendations for action to support future food access in their community. CONCLUSIONS While food choice is influenced by a range of determinants, the local food environment greatly impacts both food access and food choice. A supportive local food system which promotes inclusion of a community voice, community connectedness, food literacy and physical and economic access to local produce is crucial to support food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Molenaar
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Sue Kleve
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Lewis M, Herron LM, Chatfield MD, Tan RC, Dale A, Nash S, Lee AJ. Healthy Food Prices Increased More Than the Prices of Unhealthy Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Concurrent Challenges to the Food System. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3146. [PMID: 36833837 PMCID: PMC9967271 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Food prices have escalated due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global food systems, and other regional shocks and stressors including climate change and war. Few studies have applied a health lens to identify the most affected foods. This study aimed to assess costs and affordability of habitual (unhealthy) diets and recommended (healthy, equitable and more sustainable) diets and their components in Greater Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from 2019 to 2022 using the Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing protocol. Affordability was determined for reference households at three levels of income: median, minimum wage, and welfare-dependent. The recommended diet cost increased 17.9%; mostly in the last year when the prices of healthy foods, such as fruit, vegetables and legumes, healthy fats/oils, grains, and meats/alternatives, increased by 12.8%. In contrast, the cost of the unhealthy foods and drinks in the habitual diet 'only' increased 9.0% from 2019 to 2022, and 7.0% from 2021 to 2022. An exception was the cost of unhealthy take-away foods which increased by 14.7% over 2019-2022. With government COVID-19-related payments, for the first time recommended diets were affordable for all and food security and diets improved in 2020. However, the special payments were withdrawn in 2021, and recommended diets became 11.5% less affordable. Permanently increasing welfare support and providing an adequate minimum wage, while keeping basic, healthy foods GST-free and increasing GST to 20% on unhealthy foods, would improve food security and diet-related health inequities. Development of a Consumer Price Index specifically for healthy food would help highlight health risks during economic downturns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meron Lewis
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia
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Agyemang P, Kwofie EM, Baum JI. Transitioning to sustainable healthy diets: A model-based and conceptual system thinking approach to optimized sustainable diet concepts in the United States. Front Nutr 2022; 9:874721. [PMID: 35967815 PMCID: PMC9372557 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.874721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Food production and consumption are essential in human existence, yet they are implicated in the high occurrences of preventable chronic diseases and environmental degradation. Although healthy food may not necessarily be sustainable and vice versa, there is an opportunity to make our food both healthy and sustainable. Attempts have been made to conceptualize how sustainable healthy food may be produced and consumed; however, available data suggest a rise in the prevalence of health-related and negative environmental consequences of our food supply. Thus, the transition from conceptual frameworks to implementing these concepts has not always been effective. This paper explores the relative environmental and health risks associated with highly consumed food groups and develops a methodological workflow for evaluating the sustainability of diet concepts in the context of different health, socio-economic and environmental indicators. In addition, we apply the multi-criteria decision-making techniques (an integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process- Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (AHP-TOPSIS) model) to examine the health and environmental impact of selected sustainable healthy diet concepts implemented in the United States. The principal findings indicate that adopting plant-based diet patterns would benefit the environment and the population's health. However, the up-scale, broad adoption and implementation of these concepts are hindered by critical bottlenecks. Hence we propose potential modification strategies through a conceptual system thinking approach to deliver optimized sustainable diet concepts to aid in the realization of the anticipated benefits of adoption/implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Agyemang
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Ebenezer M Kwofie
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States.,Bioresource Engineering Department, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Jamie I Baum
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States.,Center for Human Nutrition, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR, United States
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Mawer T, Kent K, Williams AD, McGowan CJ, Murray S, Bird ML, Hardcastle S, Bridgman H. The knowledge, barriers and opportunities to improve nutrition and physical activity amongst young people attending an Australian youth mental health service: a mixed-methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:789. [PMID: 35715836 PMCID: PMC9205652 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental illnesses are the leading cause of disability in young people, and lifestyle interventions in young people at risk of mental illness remain a priority. Opportunities to improve nutrition and physical activity among young people through youth mental health services remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and behaviors towards nutrition and physical activity, the barriers and enablers to improving behaviors, and the preferred providers and sources of information for nutrition and physical activity among a sample of young people attending a youth mental health service. Methods A mixed-method study was conducted in regional Tasmania, Australia in a sample of young people (15–25 years) attending a youth mental health service (headspace). A quantitative survey (n = 48) determined young people’s nutrition and physical activity knowledge, behaviors, barriers and enablers to achieving recommendations, and their preferred providers and sources of information. Structured interviews and a focus group further explored these concepts (n = 8), including the role of the mental health service as a provider of this support. Results The majority of participants did not meet national recommendations for nutrition and physical activity, despite possessing a high level of knowledge regarding their importance for mental health. Improving mental health was a common enabling factor for participants choosing to alter diet and physical activity habits, but also the leading barrier for participating in physical activity. Young people wanted to receive information from reputable health providers, ideally through social media sources. headspace was seen as an important potential provider of this information. Conclusions Our results indicate that there is a clear need to improve diet and physical activity habits to enhance mental and physical health outcomes in this at-risk group, and youth mental health services could provide further interventions to support their clients. Specialized staff (e.g. dietitians and exercise physiologists) may provide additional benefits alongside existing mental health care support. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08182-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamieka Mawer
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, Australia
| | - Katherine Kent
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew D Williams
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Courtney J McGowan
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.,Sport Performance Optimization Research Team, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sandra Murray
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Marie-Louise Bird
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sibella Hardcastle
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Heather Bridgman
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, Australia.
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The global food environment transition based on the socio-demographic index. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2022.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Lewis M, McNaughton SA, Rychetnik L, Chatfield MD, Lee AJ. Dietary Intake, Cost, and Affordability by Socioeconomic Group in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413315. [PMID: 34948926 PMCID: PMC8703846 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Few Australians consume diets consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. A major problem is high intake of discretionary food and drinks (those not needed for health and high in saturated fat, added sugar, salt and/or alcohol). Low socioeconomic groups (SEGs) suffer particularly poor diet-related health. Surprisingly, detailed quantitative dietary data across SEGs was lacking. Analysis of the most recent national nutrition survey data produced habitual intakes of a reference household (two adults and two children) in SEG quintiles of household income. Cost and affordability of habitual and recommended diets for the reference household were determined using methods based on the Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing protocol. Low SEGs reported significantly lower intakes of healthy food and drinks yet similarly high intakes of discretionary choices to high SEGs (435 serves/fortnight). Total habitual diets of low SEGs cost significantly less than those of high SEGs (AU$751/fortnight to AU$853/fortnight). Results confirmed low SEGs cannot afford a healthy diet. Lower intakes of healthy choices in low SEGs may help explain their higher rates of diet-related disease compared to higher SEGs. The findings can inform potential policy actions to improve affordability of healthy foods and help drive healthier diets for all Australians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meron Lewis
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia; (M.D.C.); (A.J.L.)
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Glebe 2037, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sarah A. McNaughton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia;
| | - Lucie Rychetnik
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Glebe 2037, Australia;
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Glebe 2037, Australia
| | - Mark D. Chatfield
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia; (M.D.C.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Amanda J. Lee
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia; (M.D.C.); (A.J.L.)
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Lee AJ, Patay D, Herron LM, Tan RC, Nicoll E, Fredericks B, Lewis M. Affordability of Heathy, Equitable and More Sustainable Diets in Low-Income Households in Brisbane before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2021; 13:4386. [PMID: 34959938 PMCID: PMC8705813 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased food insecurity worldwide, yet there has been limited assessment of shifts in the cost and affordability of healthy, equitable and sustainable diets. This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and income supplements provided by the Australian government on diet cost and affordability for low-income households in an Australian urban area. The Healthy Diets ASAP method protocol was applied to assess the cost and cost differential of current and recommended diets before (in 2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (late 2020) for households with a minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, by area of socioeconomic disadvantage, in Greater Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Data were collected between August and October, 2020, from 78 food outlets and compared with data collected in the same locations between May and October, 2019, in an earlier study. The price of most healthy food groups increased significantly during the pandemic-with the exception of vegetables and legumes, which decreased. Conversely, the price of discretionary foods and drinks did not increase during the pandemic. The cost of the current and recommended diets significantly increased throughout this period, but the latter continued to be less expensive than the former. Due to income supplements provided between May and September 2020, the affordability of the recommended diet improved greatly, by 27% and 42%, for households with minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, respectively. This improvement in the affordability of the recommended diet highlights the need to permanently increase welfare support for low-income families to ensure food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Lee
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, St Lucia, QLD 4006, Australia; (D.P.); (L.-M.H.); (R.C.T.); (E.N.); (B.F.); (M.L.)
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