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Short-term Temporal Stability in Observed Retail Food Characteristics
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Short-term Temporal Stability in Observed Retail Food Characteristics

Shannon N. Zenk, Diana S. Grigsby-Toussaint, Susan J. Curry, Michael Berbaum and Linda Schneider
Journal of nutrition education and behavior, Vol.42(1), pp.26-32
2010
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2009.01.005
PMCID: PMC2913966
PMID: 20129186
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/2913966View
Open Access

Abstract

Use of direct observation to characterize neighborhood retail food environments is increasing, but to date most studies have relied on a single observation. If food availability, prices, and quality vary over short time periods, repeated measures may be needed to portray these food characteristics. This study evaluated short-term (2-week), within-season temporal stability in retail food availability, prices, and quality. In-person observations of retail food stores at 2 time points, 2 weeks apart. Southwest Chicago, IL. 157 food stores. Availability and prices of food items selected from the following food groups: fruit, vegetables, grains, meats and beans, and dairy, as well as fresh produce quality. Temporal stability was tested for availability using a McNemar test and for price and quality using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Measures of food availability and prices as well as fresh produce quality at stores were generally stable at the 2 time points. This study suggests that a single observation may be sufficient to accurately characterize within-season food availability, food prices, and fresh produce quality.
 food environment food prices food quality food supply measurement reliability

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