Neighborhood food environment and consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables: Pro-Saude Study, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between availability of different types of retail food stores and consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables.

Study design: This study is a cross-sectional study.

Methods: Data were derived from 2032 adults living in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participating in the longitudinal Pro-Saude Study. Exposure to street markets, fruit and vegetable stores, groceries and markets, unhealthy food outlets, restaurants, and supermarkets within 1600 m buffers was obtained by georeferencing residential addresses. Consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables was assessed via two single questions, categorized as 'yes' (≥4 days/week) and 'no' (<3 days/week). Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess relationships of interest adjusted for surrounding average monthly income, sex, age, education, and family income per capita.

Results: Except for supermarkets, the presence of a greater number of retail food stores - irrespective of the type - was associated with higher odds of consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables than with areas with a lower number (e.g. odds ratio = 1.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.13-1.91).

Conclusions: The greater availability of several types of retail food stores close to participants' residences was associated with higher consumption of fruit and leafy vegetables in Rio de Janeiro.

Keywords: Adults; Food environment; Fruits; Neighborhood; Vegetables.