Neighbourhood fast food exposure and consumption: the mediating role of neighbourhood social norms

• DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-00969-w
• Publication Date: 2020-05-13T07:04:10Z
• Authors: Sofie van Rongen; Maartje P. Poelman; Lukar Thornton; Gavin Abbott; Meng Lu; Carlijn B. M. Kam...; Kirsten Verkooijen; Emely de Vet
• Keywords: Neighbourhood (mathematics); Odds; Social norms approach; Consumption

Abstract Background The association between the residential fast food environment and diet has gained growing attention. However, why affects consumption is under-examined. This study aimed to investigate neighbourhood social norms with respect as a potential mediating pathway outlet exposure residents’ consumption. Methods A correlational was conducted in which nationwide sample of 1038 respondents living across Netherlands completed survey. Respondents reported their (amount/week) well perceived descriptive injunctive regarding neighbourhood. Fast measured by average count outlets within 400 m walking distance buffer around zip-codes respondents, using retail database. Regression models were used assess associations exposure, consumption, norm perceptions, bootstrapping procedure test indirect -mediation- effect. Separate analyses performed for norms. Results There no overall or direct positively associated (descriptive injunctive) turn odds consuming food. Moreover, results bootstrapped analysis provided evidence effects on via Conclusions In neighbourhoods more outlets, residents likely perceive common appropriate. turn, stronger higher Acknowledging design, this first that implies may be relation Future research examine role other contexts explore how changing shift our