title: Healthful food availability in stores and restaurants--American Samoa, 2014.
abstract: American Samoa, one of the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, has documented the highest prevalence of adults with obesity (75%) in the world. The nutritionally poor food and beverage environment of food retail venues has been suspected to be a contributing factor, although an evaluation of these venues in American Samoa has not been conducted. In January 2014, American Samoa established an Obesity Task Force to develop policies and strategies to combat obesity. To inform the efforts of the task force, the American Samoa Department of Health and CDC conducted a baseline assessment of the availability, pricing, and promotion of healthful foods at retail food venues. Previously validated food environment assessment tools were modified to incorporate American Samoa foods and administered in a geographically representative sample of 70 stores (nine grocery stores and 61 convenience stores) and 20 restaurants. In convenience stores, healthful items were not found as available as less healthful counterparts, and some healthful items were more expensive than their less healthful counterparts. For restaurants, 70% offered at least one healthful entrée, whereas only 30% had healthful side dishes, such as vegetables. Actions to promote healthy eating, such as providing calorie information, were rare among restaurants. Improving availability, affordability, and the promotion of healthful foods in American Samoa stores and restaurants could support healthy eating among American Samoa residents.
authors: Seung Hee
authors: SH
authors: Lee-Kwan
authors: Gayathri
authors: G
authors: Kumar
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Ayscue
authors: Marjorie
authors: M
authors: Santos
authors: Lisa C
authors: LC
authors: McGuire
authors: Heidi M
authors: HM
authors: Blanck
authors: Motusa Tuileama
authors: MT
authors: Nua
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018948:American Samoa / Q000453:epidemiology; D003132:Commerce / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics; D005523:Food Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005638:Fruit / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D012147:Restaurants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014675:Vegetables / Q000191:economics