Leveraging Citizen Science for Healthier Food Environments: A Pilot Study to Evaluate Corner Stores in Camden, New Jersey.

摘要: Over the last six years, a coordinated “healthy corner store” network has helped an increasing number of local storeowners stock healthy, affordable foods in Camden, New Jersey, city with high rates poverty and unemployment, where most residents have little or no access to large food retailers. The initiative’s funders stakeholders wanted directly engage Camden evaluating this effort increase healthy access. In departure from traditional survey- focus group-based evaluations, we used evidence-based community-engaged citizen science research model (called Our Voice) that been deployed variety neighborhood settings assess how different features built environment both affect community health wellbeing, empower participants create change. Employing Voice model, documented around stores through geo-located photos audio narratives. Eight adult who lived and/or worked pre-defined were recruited by convenience sample visited two participating store initiative (one highly-engaged initiative, other less-engaged), as well optional third their choosing. Facilitators then use collected data (in total, 134 images 96 recordings) identify prioritize issues group, brainstorm advocate for potential solutions. Three priority themes selected full theme list (n=9) based on perceived importance feasibility: product selection display, environment, outdoor appearance cleanliness. Participants devised presented set action steps leaders, begun incorporate these ideas into plans future network. Key elements identified positive, priorities, such improvements safety, exterior facades, physical accessibility, may find common ground development initiatives Camden. Ultimately, pilot study demonstrated provide systematic data-driven process public authentically program evaluation.