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The Perceived Food Environment Surrounding Tribal Lands in California: Tribal Member Perspectives
Author(s) -
Chodur Gwen Marie,
Kodish Stephen,
Antiporta Daniel,
Oddo Vanessa,
Shen Ye,
JonesSmith Jessica
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.1151.1
Subject(s) - grounded theory , purchasing , perception , marketing , psychology , environmental health , geography , business , medicine , qualitative research , sociology , social science , neuroscience
Objective To describe and understand the food environment surrounding tribal lands in California and its impact on food choices among Native American tribal members. Methods We conducted in‐depth interviews with a sample of Native American parents living in California (N=24). Tribal members were purposively sampled from California's federally recognized tribes by study staff at health clinics and conferences, as well as through word‐of‐mouth referrals. We analyzed data using a modified Grounded Theory approach with Dedoose. Initial descriptive categories were developed based on the study objectives using a deductive approach and additional themes were added as they emerged, using the constant comparative method. We assessed discrepancies between coders using IRR and proceeded with coding once high reliability (IRR= 0.83) was achieved. Results Salient themes that were identified included limited food purchasing options; challenges in acquiring food due to distance to a food source and financial constraints; and a negative perception of the food environment. It was common for participants to describe tribal lands as more distantly located from food stores and state that the distance to the closest grocery store was an influential factor in choosing foods to purchase. Interview participants tended to have negative perceptions of the quality of food available in their immediate environment and expressed that the lack of convenient healthy food options limited their ability to acquire and consume healthy food. Many expressed frustration at their experience of wanting to provide healthy food for their families, but being unable to do so because of limitations in affordability and availability. Perceptions about restaurants and fast food outlets were mixed. Conclusions Native American parents living on tribal lands in California perceived food availability and purchasing options to place considerable constraints on diet quality that conflicted with the intention to purchase and prepare healthy food. The limitations of the food environment may contribute to the health disparities of this population and should be addressed in interventions. Support or Funding Information Supported by the National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (4R00HD073327).