Suitability of Data-Collection Methods, Tools, and Metrics for Evaluating Market Food Environments in Low- and...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Global Health
• Food Systems Research

Background:

• Globalization impacts food environments in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), affecting diets and nutrition.
• Existing food-environment assessments are primarily designed for high-income countries, limiting their applicability in LMICs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of 113 data-collection assessments for informal and formal market food environments in LMICs.
• To identify gaps and needs for developing, adapting, and validating assessment tools for diverse LMIC contexts.

Main Methods:

• A scoring exercise and expert survey (n=27) were employed to assess 113 data-collection methods, tools, and metrics.
• Suitability was evaluated for eight dimensions of informal and formal market food environments.

Main Results:

• Only 10 assessments were suitable for informal markets without modification, compared to 41 for formal markets.
• Experts identified availability, accessibility, price, and affordability as key dimensions for LMIC market food environments.
• Market-basket analysis and vendor audits were deemed most suitable for assessing multiple food environment dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in assessments suitable for informal markets in LMICs, particularly for convenience and desirability.
• There is a critical need to develop, adapt, and validate food environment assessment tools for informal markets in LMICs.
• Improved assessments are essential to support better diets, nutrition, and health outcomes globally.