Abstract
Using intercept surveys, we explored demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with food purchasing characteristics of supermarket shoppers and the perceptions of their neighborhood food environment in urban Cape Town. Shoppers (N = 422) aged ≥18 years, categorized by their residential socioeconomic areas (SEAs), participated in a survey after shopping in supermarkets located in different SEAs. A subpopulation, out-shoppers (persons shopping outside their residential SEA), and in-shoppers (persons residing and shopping in the same residential area) were also explored. Fruits and vegetables (F&V) were more likely to be perceived to be of poor quality and healthy food not too expensive by shoppers from low- (OR = 6.36, 95% CI = 2.69, 15.03, p < 0.0001), middle-SEAs (OR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.45, 8.04, p < 0.001) compared to the high-SEA shoppers. Low SEA shoppers bought F&V less frequently than high- and middle-SEA shoppers. Purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and snacks were frequent and similar across SEAs. Food quality was important to out-shoppers who were less likely to walk to shop, more likely to be employed and perceived the quality of F&V in their neighborhood to be poor. Food purchasing characteristics are influenced by SEAs, with lack of mobility and food choice key issues for low-SEA shoppers.
Highlights
IntroductionObesity and food insecurity (i.e., lack of sufficient physical and economic access to enough quality and nutritious food for an active and healthy life) [1], often co-exist in South Africa, and are associated with poor diet and health outcomes [1]
Obesity and food insecurity [1], often co-exist in South Africa, and are associated with poor diet and health outcomes [1]
Most respondents from the low socioeconomic areas (SEAs) walked to shop (67.2%) and more than half (62.1%) spend more than 10 min to get to the supermarkets from their home, while most participants from the high SEAs used a private car (73.2%) and spent less than 10 min or less (88.7%) to get to the supermarket
Summary
Obesity and food insecurity (i.e., lack of sufficient physical and economic access to enough quality and nutritious food for an active and healthy life) [1], often co-exist in South Africa, and are associated with poor diet and health outcomes [1]. A small number of studies have examined informal food retail outlets, such as ‘spaza shops’ (an informal convenience shop in residential neighborhoods [7]) and street vendors in relation to shopping decisions and dietary choices. More is known about the geospatial distribution of supermarkets in South Africa [8,9,10,11], there is limited evidence on the association between supermarket locations and food purchasing characteristics in low-, middle- and high-socioeconomic areas. In South Africa, formal retailers, such as supermarkets and fast food outlets and less formal retailers, such as street vendors, convenience stores, and in certain areas, food/community markets are the predominant source of food shopping [12]. Supermarkets have been identified as a potential role player in curbing obesity and addressing food insecurity, by providing local access to healthy food, especially in urban communities [19,20]
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