Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jan 14, 2020
Date Accepted: Oct 20, 2020
Impacts of a new supermarket on dietary behaviour and the local foodscape in Kisumu, Kenya: protocol for a mixed-method natural experimental evaluation
ABSTRACT
Background:
Access to healthy food is considered a key determinant of dietary behaviour and there is mixed evidence that living near a supermarket is associated with a healthier diet. In Africa, supermarkets may contribute to the nutrition transition by offering both healthy and unhealthy foods; and by replacing traditional food sellers. In Kisumu, Kenya, a planned hypermarket (supermarket combined with department store) will form the basis for a natural experimental evaluation.
Objective:
The aim of the study is to explore the impacts of the new hypermarket on food shopping practices, dietary behaviours, physical activity patterns and body composition in local residents, and to identify concurrent changes in the local foodscape. We also aim to explore how impacts and associations vary by socioeconomic status.
Methods:
We employ a mixed-method longitudinal study design. Two study areas were defined: the hypermarket intervention area (Kisumu) and a comparison area with no hypermarket (Homabay). The study is comprised of four pieces of primary data collection: a quantitative household survey with local residents; a qualitative study consisting of focus group discussions with local residents and semi-structured interviews with government and private sector stakeholders; an audit of the local foodscape using on-the-ground data collection; and an intercept survey of shoppers in the hypermarket. Assessments will be undertaken at baseline and approximately one year after the hypermarket opens.
Results:
Baseline assessments were conducted between March and June 2019. From a total sampling frame of 400 households, we recruited 376 of these, giving an overall response of 94%. The household survey was completed by 516 individuals within these households. Across the two study areas, eight focus groups and 44 stakeholder interviews were conducted, and 1,920 food outlets were geocoded.
Conclusions:
This study aims to further understanding of the relationship between food retail and dietary behaviours in Kenya. Baseline assessments for the study have been completed.
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