The 'Eat Well @ IGA' healthy supermarket randomised controlled trial: process evaluation

Area of Science:

• Public Health Nutrition
• Health Services Research
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Supermarket interventions are vital for population health but require understanding implementation barriers.
• Process evaluation is essential for successful, scalable healthy food initiatives.
• This study evaluated a healthy supermarket intervention's implementation, barriers, and enablers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess customer, retailer, and stakeholder perspectives on a healthy supermarket intervention.
• To evaluate the implementation process of the intervention.
• To identify barriers and enablers affecting the intervention's success and sustainability.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month randomized controlled trial (Eat Well @ IGA) in 11 Australian supermarkets.
• Sequential mixed-methods approach including customer exit surveys, staff surveys, and stakeholder interviews.
• Qualitative data analysis using inductive coding to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• 33% of customers recalled the intervention brand; 97% supported continued healthy eating efforts.
• Supermarket staff reported very favorable intervention perceptions.
• Key themes included business model challenges, the importance of stakeholder collaboration, and the need to minimize staff time and maintain intervention salience.

Conclusions:

• Healthy supermarket interventions are viewed favorably when barriers like staff time and salience are addressed.
• Collaborative partnerships between retailers, governments, and academics are crucial for long-term sustainability.
• Addressing implementation challenges can enhance the effectiveness and scalability of healthy food initiatives in supermarkets.