Multilevel correlates of satisfaction with neighborhood availability of fresh fruits and vegetables.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about influences on perceptions of neighborhood food environments, despite their relevance for food-shopping behaviors and food choices.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined relationships between multilevel factors (neighborhood structure, independently observed neighborhood food environment, and individual socioeconomic position) and satisfaction with neighborhood availability of fruits and vegetables.


METHODS
The multilevel regression analysis drew on data from a community survey of urban adults, in-person audit and mapping of food stores, and the 2000 Census.


RESULTS
Satisfaction with neighborhood availability of fruits and vegetables was lower in neighborhoods that were farther from a supermarket and that had proportionately more African-American residents. Neighborhood poverty and independently observed neighborhood fruit and vegetable characteristics (variety, prices, and quality) were not associated with satisfaction. Individual education modified relationships between neighborhood availability of smaller food stores (small grocery stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores) and satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Individual-level and neighborhood-level factors affect perceptions of neighborhood food environments.
Zenk
Shannon N
SN
Department of Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen Avenue M/C 802, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. szenk@uic.edu
Schulz
Amy J
AJ
Lachance
Laurie L
LL
Mentz
Graciela
G
Kannan
Srimathi
S
Ridella
William
W
Galea
Sandro
S
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005638:Fruit / Q000191:economics*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014675:Vegetables / Q000191:economics*; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology