Geographic Patterns and Socioeconomic Differences in the Nutritional Quality of Household Packaged Food Purchases in the United States

Citation

Lacko, Allison M.; Delamater, Paul L.; Gordon-Larsen, Penny; & Ng, Shu Wen (2021). Geographic Patterns and Socioeconomic Differences in the Nutritional Quality of Household Packaged Food Purchases in the United States. Health & Place, 69, 102567. PMCID: PMC8218902

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether dietary quality varies by geography in the US.
PURPOSE: Assess patterns in packaged food purchases (PFPs).
METHODS: We characterized variation in PFP quality from 2008 to 2018 by 1) examining geographic clustering and 2) using regression analysis to control for household characteristics.
RESULTS: Lower quality purchases clustered in the Southeast and Appalachia, whereas higher quality purchases clustered in the West and Northeast. Spatial patterns were similar for low socioeconomic households but not high socioeconomic households. Geographic differences in quality remained after controlling for demographic composition.
CONCLUSION: This analysis should inform research into systemic drivers of PFP quality.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102567

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2021

Journal Title

Health & Place

Author(s)

Lacko, Allison M.
Delamater, Paul L.
Gordon-Larsen, Penny
Ng, Shu Wen

Article Type

Regular

PMCID

PMC8218902

Data Set/Study

Nielsen U.S. Homescan Consumer Panel

Continent/Country

United States of America

State

Nonspecific

ORCiD

Delamater - 0000-0003-3627-9739
Ng - 0000-0003-0582-110X
Gordon-Larsen - 0000-0001-5322-4188
Lacko - 0000-0001-7475-126X