scholarly journals Costing recommended (healthy) and current (unhealthy) diets in urban and inner regional areas of Australia using remote price collection methods

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Christina Zorbas ◽  
Ruby Brooks ◽  
Rebecca Bennett ◽  
Amanda Lee ◽  
Josephine Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Disposable Income ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Current Consumption ◽  
Low Incomes ◽  
Healthy Diets ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Household Incomes

Abstract Objective: To compare the cost and affordability of two fortnightly diets (representing the national guidelines and current consumption) across areas containing Australia’s major supermarkets. Design: The Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing protocol was used. Setting: Price data were collected online and via phone calls in fifty-one urban and inner regional locations across Australia. Participants: Not applicable. Results: Healthy diets were consistently less expensive than current (unhealthy) diets. Nonetheless, healthy diets would cost 25–26 % of the disposable income for low-income households and 30–31 % of the poverty line. Differences in gross incomes (the most available income metric which overrepresents disposable income) drove national variations in diet affordability (from 14 % of the median gross household incomes in the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory to 25 % of the median gross household income in Tasmania). Conclusions: In Australian cities and regional areas with major supermarkets, access to affordable diets remains problematic for families receiving low incomes. These findings are likely to be exacerbated in outer regional and remote areas (not included in this study). To make healthy diets economically appealing, policies that reduce the (absolute and relative) costs of healthy diets and increase the incomes of Australians living in poverty are required.

Streamlined data-gathering techniques to estimate the price and affordability of healthy and unhealthy diets under different pricing scenarios

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Zorbas ◽  
Amanda Lee ◽  
Anna Peeters ◽  
Meron Lewis ◽  
Timothy Landrigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Healthy Diets ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Human Participants ◽  
Household Incomes

AbstractObjective:To determine the reliability of streamlined data-gathering techniques for examining the price and affordability of a healthy (recommended) and unhealthy (current) diet. We additionally estimated the price and affordability of diets across socio-economic areas and quantified the influence of different pricing scenarios.Design:Following the Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing (ASAP) protocol, we compared a cross-sectional sample of food and beverage pricing data collected using online data and phone calls (lower-resource streamlined techniques) with data collected in-store from the same retailers.Setting:Food and beverage prices were collected from major supermarkets, fast food and alcohol retailers in eight conveniently sampled areas in Victoria, Australia (n 72 stores), stratified by area-level deprivation and remoteness.Participants:This study did not involve human participants.Results:The biweekly price of a healthy diet was on average 21 % cheaper ($596) than an unhealthy diet ($721) for a four-person family using the streamlined techniques, which was comparable with estimates using in-store data (healthy: $594, unhealthy: $731). The diet price differential did not vary considerably across geographical areas (range: 18–23 %). Both diets were estimated to be unaffordable for families living on indicative low disposable household incomes and below the poverty line. The inclusion of generic brands notably reduced the prices of healthy and unhealthy diets (≥20 %), rendering both affordable against indicative low disposable household incomes. Inclusion of discounted prices marginally reduced diet prices (3 %).Conclusions:Streamlined data-gathering techniques are a reliable method for regular, flexible and widespread monitoring of the price and affordability of population diets in areas where supermarkets have an online presence.

scholarly journals An Improved Means-Testing Formula for Better Targeting

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 112-129
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Means Testing ◽  
Income Gap ◽  
Poverty Threshold ◽  
Equivalence Scale ◽  
Poverty Status ◽  
The Cost ◽  
New Formula

In Russia, means testing is used to identify low-income households and measure poverty headcount as well as to establish the eligibility of the applicants to targeted social assistance. The current means-testing formula, however, is restricted to comparing the per capita income with the cost of the so-called minimum consumer basket or the standard subsistence income. The authors propose an improved means-testing formula which is claimed to measure the wealth and consumption needs of a household more accurately and more equitably, as it includes a revised equivalence scale and а filter for the possession of certain valuable assets. Based on a representative household survey, which covers three subfederal jurisdictions and has been specifically designed to test the performance of the new formula, the authors measure the contribution of each of the proposed formula modifications and the combined effect of all modifications upon the overall poverty headcount and the total income gap as well as the effects upon the poverty status of selected categories of households. Even though during the modeling phase the poverty threshold had to be raised by 12–16% against the official poverty line effective in the respective jurisdictions in order to eliminate the influence of the proposed equivalence scale on the poverty headcount, the ultimate effect of the new formula, which combines the new equivalence scale and several property filters, is a 25% reduction of poverty. This reduction is mainly due to sorting out the households that own excessive property or cars from the low-income category.

Access to Bulk-Billing General Practitioners in Tasmania

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Kelly Madden
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Low Incomes ◽  
United Nations Declaration ◽  
The Cost ◽  
National Decline

Access to basic health care services is one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights. Imposition of fees for service restricts access to care, particularly for people on low incomes. In recent years there has been a slight national decline in bulk-billing by general practitioners that has been more pronounced in Tasmania. Evidence from Tasmania suggests significant numbers of general practitioners in some areas of the state are charging gap fees to Health Care and Pension Concession Cardholders. Local qualitative and quantitative data indicate that low-income earners are delaying or avoiding seeking health care because they are unable to afford the cost.

scholarly journals Income Poverty, Deprivation and Exclusion: A Comparative Study of Australia and Britain

2006 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER SAUNDERS ◽  
LAURA ADELMAN
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Poverty Rate ◽  
Income Poverty ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Poverty Measure ◽  
Lone Parents ◽  
Low Incomes ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Using Data

Poverty research has a long history in both Australia and Britain, but its influence on policy remains subject to political priorities and ideology. This can partly be explained by the limitations of defining poverty as low income and measuring it using an income poverty line. This article examines two national data sets that allow the income poverty profile to be compared with, and enriched by, the incidence of deprivation and social exclusion, measured using data that directly reflect experience. Although a degree of care must be applied when interpreting these new indicators within and between countries, a validated poverty measure is developed that reflects both low income and the experience of deprivation and exclusion. When results for the two countries are compared, they reveal stark differences between the alternative indicators. Britain has the higher income poverty rate and, although the incidence of both deprivation and exclusion are higher in Australia, Britain still has more validated poverty. The distributional profiles of deprivation and exclusion are shown to be very different in the two countries. These differences are explained by the very low incomes of low-income households in Britain, relative to other British households and relative to their Australian counterparts. Despite these differences, the results indicate that the same three groups face the greatest risk in both countries: lone parents, single working-age people and large (couple) families.

scholarly journals An Exploration of the Relationship Between Income and Eating Behavior

2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E. Chen ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
James K. Binkley
Keyword(s):  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Soft Drinks ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Healthy Eating Behavior ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Healthy Diets ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cost Differences

This paper explores the relationship between income and eating behavior. To do this we examine choice in two food categories: milk and soft drinks. These categories have varieties differing in health qualities but either no differences in cost or lower cost for the healthier types. By examining food choices when there are no measurable cost differences but clear health differences, we are able to isolate the association between income and healthy eating behavior. We find a negative association between income and dietary intake of higher-calorie types of milk and soft drinks. Our estimates are consistent across the five sets of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals data that we study. For 2005 we estimate that an income increase of $10,000 is linked to a reduction in 377 calories from milk and 2,555 calories from soft drinks per year. Our results suggest that the cost of food may not be the only reason why low income people have less healthy diets.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Cost of the Mediterranean Diet in a Low-Income Region: Adherence and Relationship with Available Incomes

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Rubini ◽  
Cristina Vilaplana-Prieto ◽  
Marta Flor-Alemany ◽  
Lorena Yeguas-Rosa ◽  
Miriam Hernández-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Disposable Income ◽  
Median Cost ◽  
Monthly Cost ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recognized as heart-healthy, but the economic cost associated with this type of diet has scarcely been studied. The objective of the present study is to explore the cost and adherence of a low-income region population to the MD and its relationship with income. Methods A population-based study was carried out on 2,833 subjects between 25 and 79 years of age, 54% women, selected at random from the municipalities of Vegas Altas, La Siberia and La Serena in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura (Spain). Average monthly cost of each product included in the MD was computed and related to adherence to the MD using the Panagiotakos Index and average disposable income. Results The monthly median cost was 203.6€ (IQR: 154.04-265.37). Food-related expenditure was higher for men (p<0.001), age cohort between 45 and 54 years (p<0.013) and those living in urban areas (p<0.001). A positive correlation between food-related expenditure and the MD adherence was found. Monthly median cost represents 15% of average disposable income, ranging between 11% for the group with low MD adherence and 17% for the group with high MD adherence. Conclusions The monthly cost of the MD was positively correlated with the degree of adherence to this dietary pattern. Given that the estimated monthly cost is similar to that of other Spanish regions with a higher income level, the economic effort required to be able to afford the Mediterranean diet is higher. This may represent a barrier to access, which should be analyzed in detail by public decision-makers.

scholarly journals Food Stress in Adelaide: The Relationship between Low Income and the Affordability of Healthy Food

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Ward ◽  
Fiona Verity ◽  
Patricia Carter ◽  
George Tsourtos ◽  
John Coveney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Food Stress ◽  
Low Incomes ◽  
Food Basket ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Relationship

Healthy food is becoming increasingly expensive, and families on low incomes face a difficult financial struggle to afford healthy food. When food costs are considered, families on low incomes often face circumstances of poverty. Housing, utilities, health care, and transport are somewhat fixed in cost; however food is more flexible in cost and therefore is often compromised with less healthy, cheaper food, presenting an opportunity for families on low incomes to cut costs. Using a “Healthy Food Basket” methodology, this study costed a week’s supply of healthy food for a range of family types. It found that low-income families would have to spend approximately 30% of household income on eating healthily, whereas high-income households needed to spend about 10%. The differential is explained by the cost of the food basket relative to household income (i.e., affordability). It is argued that families that spend more than 30% of household income on food could be experiencing “food stress.” Moreover the high cost of healthy foods leaves low-income households vulnerable to diet-related health problems because they often have to rely on cheaper foods which are high in fat, sugar, and salt.

Demonstrating Nutrient Cost Gradients: A Brooklyn Case Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 244-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Karp ◽  
Gary Wong ◽  
Marguerite Orsi
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
The United States ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Caloric Density ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Introduction: Foods dense in micronutrients are generally more expensive than those with higher energy content. These cost-differentials may put low-income families at risk of diminished micronutrient intake. Objectives: We sought to determine differences in the cost for iron, folate, and choline in foods available for purchase in a low-income community when assessed for energy content and serving size. Methods: Sixty-nine foods listed in the menu plans provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for low-income families were considered, in 10 domains. The cost and micronutrient content for-energy and per-serving of these foods were determined for the three micronutrients. Exact Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons of energy costs; Spearman rho tests for comparisons of micronutrient content. Ninety families were interviewed in a pediatric clinic to assess the impact of food cost on food selection. Results: Significant differences between domains were shown for energy density with both cost-for-energy (p < 0.001) and cost-per-serving (p < 0.05) comparisons. All three micronutrient contents were significantly correlated with cost-for-energy (p < 0.01). Both iron and choline contents were significantly correlated with cost-per-serving (p < 0.05). Of the 90 families, 38 (42 %) worried about food costs; 40 (44 %) had chosen foods of high caloric density in response to that fear, and 29 of 40 families experiencing both worry and making such food selection. Conclusion: Adjustments to USDA meal plans using cost-for-energy analysis showed differentials for both energy and micronutrients. These differentials were reduced using cost-per-serving analysis, but were not eliminated. A substantial proportion of low-income families are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.

Penerapan Weighted Sum Model (WSM) Dalam Penentuan Peserta Jaminan Kesehatan Masyarakat

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Mesran Mesran ◽  
Suginam Suginam ◽  
Surya Darma Nasution ◽  
Andsyah Putera Utama Siahaan
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Weighted Sum ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Head Of Household ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
The People ◽  
Community Health Insurance ◽  
The Government ◽  
Simple Additive Weighting

Community Health Insurance is one of the government programs for the people of Indonesia in obtaining treatment services at Puskesmas. The program is very helpful for people who are low income and live below the poverty line. Indicators for the government in providing this service consists of 10 (ten) criteria that are House Ownership Status, Floor Area per Household Member, Type of Floor of House, Type of Wall House, Lighting House Used, Fuel Used, Frequency Of Eating In A Day, Ability Buy meat/chicken/milk in a week, Employment of head of household, Education of head of household. In the application, of course, has constraints in deciding who the participants who get the Jamkesmas service. With the application of one of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) able to overcome obstacles faced by government. Some methods of MCDM such as Simple Additive Weighting(SAW), Weighted Product(WP), Weighted Sum Model(WSM) can solve this problem. By applying the WSM is relatively easy and fast, is believed to be able to get the best results.

scholarly journals Shaping Physical, Economic, and Policy Components of the Food Environment to Create Sustainable Healthy Diets

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 74S-86S
Author(s):  
Adam Drewnowski ◽  
Eva C. Monterrosa ◽  
Saskia de Pee ◽  
Edward A. Frongillo ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Food System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Food Environments ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Equitable Access ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Healthy Diets ◽  
Physical Spaces

Background: Sustainable healthy diets are those dietary patterns that promote all dimensions of individuals’ health and well-being; have low environmental pressure and impact; are accessible, affordable, safe, and equitable; and are culturally acceptable. The food environment, defined as the interface between the wider food system and consumer’s food acquisition and consumption, is critical for ensuring equitable access to foods that are healthy, safe, affordable, and appealing. Discussion: Current food environments are creating inequities, and sustainable healthy foods are generally more accessible for those of higher socioeconomic status. The physical, economic, and policy components of the food environment can all be acted on to promote sustainable healthy diets. Physical spaces can be modified to improve relative availability (ie, proximity) of food outlets that carry nutritious foods in low-income communities; to address economic access certain actions may improve affordability, such as fortification, preventing food loss through supply chain improvements; and commodity specific vouchers for fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Other policy actions that address accessibility to sustainable healthy foods are comprehensive marketing restrictions and easy-to-understand front-of-pack nutrition labels. While shaping food environments will require concerted action from all stakeholders, governments and private sector bear significant responsibility for ensuring equitable access to sustainable healthy diets.

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