Megan Ferguson1,2, Kerin O'Dea2, Stacey Holden3, Eddie Miles4, Julie Brimblecombe1. 1. Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory. 2. School of Population Health, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia. 3. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Victoria. 4. Indigenous Community Volunteers, Queensland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Retrospectively evaluate food price discounts in remote Aboriginal community stores. METHODS: Four price discount strategies of 10% were designed in 2010, aiming to influence grocery, fruit, vegetables and diet soft-drink sales. This natural experiment across a group of stores was evaluated using an explanatory, sequential mixed method design through analysis of store point-of-sale, document, observation and interview data. The outcome was measured by change in: 1) percentage of grocery sales to total food and beverage; 2) fruit and vegetable sales; and 3) diet soft-drink sales. Qualitative data enabled the interpretation of outcomes through understanding perceived success and benefits, and enablers and barriers to implementation. RESULTS: Eighteen community stores and 54 informants participated. While targeted price discounts were considered important to improving health, no discernible effect was evident, due to inadequate design and communication of discount promotion, and probably inadequate magnitude of discount. CONCLUSIONS: Strategy impact on food and beverage sales was limited by promotion and magnitude of discount. Implication for Public Health: This study demonstrates key factors and commitment required to design, communicate, implement and monitor strategies to improve health in this challenging remote retail context. Evaluation of natural experiments can contribute evidence to policy-making.
OBJECTIVE: Retrospectively evaluate food price discounts in remote Aboriginal community stores. METHODS: Four price discount strategies of 10% were designed in 2010, aiming to influence grocery, fruit, vegetables and diet soft-drink sales. This natural experiment across a group of stores was evaluated using an explanatory, sequential mixed method design through analysis of store point-of-sale, document, observation and interview data. The outcome was measured by change in: 1) percentage of grocery sales to total food and beverage; 2) fruit and vegetable sales; and 3) diet soft-drink sales. Qualitative data enabled the interpretation of outcomes through understanding perceived success and benefits, and enablers and barriers to implementation. RESULTS: Eighteen community stores and 54 informants participated. While targeted price discounts were considered important to improving health, no discernible effect was evident, due to inadequate design and communication of discount promotion, and probably inadequate magnitude of discount. CONCLUSIONS: Strategy impact on food and beverage sales was limited by promotion and magnitude of discount. Implication for Public Health: This study demonstrates key factors and commitment required to design, communicate, implement and monitor strategies to improve health in this challenging remote retail context. Evaluation of natural experiments can contribute evidence to policy-making.
Authors: Peter von Philipsborn; Jan M Stratil; Jacob Burns; Laura K Busert; Lisa M Pfadenhauer; Stephanie Polus; Christina Holzapfel; Hans Hauner; Eva Rehfuess Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2019-06-12
Authors: Kathleen M Wright; Joanne Dono; Aimee L Brownbill; Odette Pearson Nee Gibson; Jacqueline Bowden; Thomas P Wycherley; Wendy Keech; Kerin O'Dea; David Roder; Jodie C Avery; Caroline L Miller Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-02-27 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Clare Brown; Cara Laws; Dympna Leonard; Sandy Campbell; Lea Merone; Melinda Hammond; Kani Thompson; Karla Canuto; Julie Brimblecombe Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-01-03 Impact factor: 3.390