Drivers of food acquisition practices in the food environment of peri-urban Hyderabad, India: A qualitative investigation. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turner, C.; Bhogadi, S.; Walls, H.; Surendran, S.; Kulkarni, B.; Kinra, S.; Kadiyala, S.
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 74(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Food environment -- Food acquisition practices -- Qualitative geographical information systems -- Participatory photo mapping -- Low- and middle-income countries -- Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study -- India; LMICs Low- and middle-income countries -- Q-GIS Qualitative geographical information systems -- IDI In-depth interview -- APCAPS Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study -- NCDs non-communicable diseases -- DALYs disability-adjusted life-years; 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.2022.102763
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates drivers of food acquisition practices in the food environment of peri-urban Hyderabad, India. We used a multi-method qualitative methodology that included in-depth interviews ( n = 18) and an innovative qualitative geographical information systems (Q-GIS) approach, featuring participatory photo mapping and follow-up graphic-elicitation interviews ( n = 22). Secondary data from eight focus group discussions ( n = 94) was used to corroborate findings related to fruits and vegetables. Thematic analysis identified three primary drivers of food acquisition practices among adults: 1) Food prices and affordability; 2) Vendor and product properties, including (a) quality and freshness, and (b) adulteration and contamination; and 3) Social capital. Drivers of food acquisition and consumption among children and adolescents were a key concern for our participants, and included food availability and accessibility, desirability, and convenience. Findings reveal a need for targeted interventions in external and personal food environments to improve diets, nutrition, and health in this setting. Highlights: A novel qualitative geographical information systems approach Participatory photo mapping and follow-up graphic elicitation interviews Drivers of food acquisition: prices; vendor and product properties; social capital Drivers among children: availability, accessibility, desirability, convenience Interventions in external and personal food environments required to improve diets