A systematic review employing the GeoFERN framework to examine methods, reporting quality and associations between the retail food environment and obesity. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilkins, Emma; Radley, Duncan; Morris, Michelle; Hobbs, Matthew; Christensen, Alex; Marwa, Windi Lameck; Morrin, Adele; Griffiths, Claire
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 57(2019:May)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Community nutrition environment -- Foodscape -- GIS -- Food access -- Obesogenic environment -- Methodology; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.02.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: This systematic review quantifies methods used to measure the 'retail food environment' (RFE), appraises the quality of methodological reporting, and examines associations with obesity, accounting for differences in methods. Only spatial measures of the RFE, such as food outlet proximity were included. Across the 113 included studies, methods for measuring the RFE were extremely diverse, yet reporting of methods was poor (average reporting quality score: 58.6%). Null associations dominated across all measurement methods, comprising 76.0% of 1937 associations in total. Outcomes varied across measurement methods (e.g. narrow definitions of 'supermarket': 20.7% negative associations vs 1.7% positive; broad definitions of 'supermarket': 9.0% negative associations vs 10.4% positive). Researchers should report methods more clearly, and should articulate findings in the context of the measurement methods employed. Highlights: Methods used to measure the Retail Food Environment (RFE) were highly diverse. Reporting of RFE measurement methods was generally poor. RFE-obesity associations varied across measurement methods. However, null associations dominated across all measurement methods.