Economic Access to Fruits and Vegetables in the Greater Quebec City: Do Disparities Exist?

摘要: Objectives: To examine the cost of fruits and vegetables (FV) with respect to different food store types, urbanization level material deprivation for various urban areas greater Quebec City. Methods: A sample 85 stores was selected. They represented five types (small, conventional, large grocery stores; greengrocers; convenience stores) in four geographic reflecting three socio-economic levels. We identified FV baskets (grocery, fresh FV, convenience) by drawing on data household spending consumption, supply types. Four investigators were trained conduct a survey prices week September 17-23, 2007. Analysis variance t tests conducted variations regard variables defined this study. chi-square test used measure frequency distribution throughout Results: Only type had significant influence cost: much lower greengrocers. Convenience stores, where are higher, outnumbered all others deprived areas, supporting contention that there inequities economic access. Discussion: Economic access may differ area City, putting rural inhabitants less privileged dwellers at greatest disadvantage; may, turn, contribute health disparities. The results point need improve our understanding way components environment regional affect social inequality. Key words: Food cost; vegetables; access; level; underprivileged area; inequalities