Healthier Fast Food Options in Rural Areas
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer S Creel, Joseph R Sharkey, Alex McIntosh, Jenna Anding, J Charles Huber Jr
Primary Institution: Texas A&M Health Science Center
Hypothesis
What is the availability of healthier fast food options in traditional and nontraditional rural fast-food outlets?
Conclusion
Traditional fast food outlets offer more healthier options compared to convenience stores, but convenience stores and supermarkets provide greater access to fast food overall.
Supporting Evidence
- Traditional fast-food outlets represented 41% of the surveyed locations.
- Convenience stores provided 53.2% of the fast food opportunities.
- Supermarkets offered a greater variety of regular and healthier entrées than traditional fast food outlets.
Takeaway
This study looked at where people can buy fast food in rural areas and found that while traditional fast food places have more healthy choices, convenience stores and supermarkets have more places to buy fast food.
Methodology
The study surveyed traditional and nontraditional fast-food outlets in six rural Texas counties using on-site observations.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the availability of healthier options due to lack of nutritional information on menus.
Limitations
Nutritional information was not assessed, and the study may have underestimated healthier options due to lack of menu identification.
Participant Demographics
Rural populations in six counties in Texas.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website