Kacie C A Blackman1, Sabrina Smiley2, Wenonah Valentine3, Lisa Chaudhari4, Patty Kwan4, Wyconda Cotton-Curtis4, Carrie Saetermoe5, Thomas Chan5. 1. Department of Health Sciences, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA. Kacie.blackman@csun.edu. 2. Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA. 3. iDREAM for Racial Health Equity, 811 W. 7th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90017, USA. 4. Department of Health Sciences, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA. 5. Department of Psychology, Health Equity Research and Education Center, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the availability, accessibility, and product depth of in-store infant feeding and galactagogues products in majority Black and majority white zip codes in Los Angeles County. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine racial/ethnic neighborhood differences in the availability of infant and follow-on formula and galactagogues products in 47 retail stores in 21 zip codes. Store-level data were collected in June 2019 and an observational tool for galactagogues products and infant/follow-on formula (availability, accessibility, product depth) was employed at each store. RESULTS: Most of the stores were grocery stores (87.2%). Stores in majority Black zip codes had less availability of infant formula ready-to-use (p = 0.001), less accessibility of follow-on powder (p = 0.028), and availability of galactagogues beverages (p = 0.036) versus majority white zip codes. Product depth (number of brands sold) of stores with one or more brands of the aforementioned products was consistently higher in majority white zip codes compared to majority Black zip codes. Stores in majority Black zip codes were most likely to have lower availability of infant formula and galactagogues products, an important part of the food environment for infant feeding options, in particular, for lactation support. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Most studies investigating the association of the food environment and health outcomes have focused only on solid foods. However, additional food products (e.g., liquids, powders) may be contributors to extensive disparities in infant mortality between Black and white infants and may lead to health disparities beyond infant stage (e.g., children, adolescents, and adults). Lastly, for breastfeeding inequities to decrease, pregnant and postpartum Black persons need equitable access and education on safe and quality galactagogues products.
OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the availability, accessibility, and product depth of in-store infant feeding and galactagogues products in majority Black and majority white zip codes in Los Angeles County. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine racial/ethnic neighborhood differences in the availability of infant and follow-on formula and galactagogues products in 47 retail stores in 21 zip codes. Store-level data were collected in June 2019 and an observational tool for galactagogues products and infant/follow-on formula (availability, accessibility, product depth) was employed at each store. RESULTS: Most of the stores were grocery stores (87.2%). Stores in majority Black zip codes had less availability of infant formula ready-to-use (p = 0.001), less accessibility of follow-on powder (p = 0.028), and availability of galactagogues beverages (p = 0.036) versus majority white zip codes. Product depth (number of brands sold) of stores with one or more brands of the aforementioned products was consistently higher in majority white zip codes compared to majority Black zip codes. Stores in majority Black zip codes were most likely to have lower availability of infant formula and galactagogues products, an important part of the food environment for infant feeding options, in particular, for lactation support. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Most studies investigating the association of the food environment and health outcomes have focused only on solid foods. However, additional food products (e.g., liquids, powders) may be contributors to extensive disparities in infant mortality between Black and white infants and may lead to health disparities beyond infant stage (e.g., children, adolescents, and adults). Lastly, for breastfeeding inequities to decrease, pregnant and postpartum Black persons need equitable access and education on safe and quality galactagogues products.
Authors: Kacie C A Blackman; Sabrina L Smiley; Natalie M Kintz; Yaneth L Rodriguez; Ricky N Bluthenthal; Chih-Ping Chou; Tess Boley Cruz; Rosa Barahona; Mary Ann Pentz; Jonathan M Samet; Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati Journal: Tob Regul Sci Date: 2019-05-01
Authors: Elizabeth A Campbell; Myra J Shapiro; Claire Welsh; Sara N Bleich; Laura K Cobb; Joel Gittelsohn Journal: J Hunger Environ Nutr Date: 2017-06-08
Authors: Sabrina L Smiley; Kacie C A Blackman; Ricky N Bluthenthal; Yaneth L Rodriguez; Rosa Barahona; Steve Sussman; Mary Ann Pentz; Jonathan M Samet; Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati Journal: Tob Regul Sci Date: 2018-07
Authors: Sabrina L Smiley; Junhan Cho; Kacie C A Blackman; Tess Boley Cruz; Mary Ann Pentz; Jonathan M Samet; Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati Journal: Prev Chronic Dis Date: 2021-02-11 Impact factor: 2.830