Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume 42, Issue 1 , Pages 26-32, January 2010

Short-term Temporal Stability in Observed Retail Food Characteristics

  • Shannon N. Zenk, PhD, MPH, RN

      Affiliations

    • University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Department of Health Systems Science, Chicago, IL
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress for correspondence: Shannon N. Zenk, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Health Systems Science, 845 South Damen Ave, M/C 802, Chicago, IL 60612; Phone: (312) 355-2790; Fax: (312) 996-7725
  • ,
  • Diana S. Grigsby-Toussaint, PhD, MPH

      Affiliations

    • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, Champaign, IL
  • ,
  • Susan J. Curry, PhD

      Affiliations

    • University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Ames, IA
  • ,
  • Michael Berbaum, PhD

      Affiliations

    • University of Illinois at Chicago, Institute for Health Research and Policy, Chicago, IL
  • ,
  • Linda Schneider, DC, MS

      Affiliations

    • University of Illinois at Chicago, Institute for Health Research and Policy, Chicago, IL

Abstract 

Objective

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.

Design

In-person observations of retail food stores at 2 time points, 2 weeks apart.

Setting

Southwest Chicago, IL.

Sample

157 food stores.

Main Outcome Measures

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.

Analysis

Temporal stability was tested for availability using a McNemar test and for price and quality using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

Measures of food availability and prices as well as fresh produce quality at stores were generally stable at the 2 time points.

Conclusions and Implications

This study suggests that a single observation may be sufficient to accurately characterize within-season food availability, food prices, and fresh produce quality.

Key Words: food environment, measurement, food prices, food supply, reliability, food quality

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PII: S1499-4046(09)00013-X

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2009.01.005

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume 42, Issue 1 , Pages 26-32, January 2010