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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Fiona Pearson
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© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licensePoor diets are a global concern and are linked with various adverse health outcomes. Healthier foods such as fruit and vegetables are often more expensive than unhealthy options. This study aimed to assess the effect of price reductions for healthy food (including fruit and vegetables) on diet. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on studies that looked at the effects of financial incentives on healthy food. Main outcomes were change in purchase and consumption of foods following a targeted price reduction. We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, EconLit, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science), citations, and used reference screening to identify relevant studies from Jan 1, 2013, to Dec 20, 2021, without language restrictions. We stratified results by population targeted (low-income populations vs general population), the food group that the reduction was applied to (fruit and vegetables, or other healthier foods), and study design. Percentage price reduction was standardised to assess the effect in meta-analyses. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. 34 studies were eligible; 15 took place in supermarkets and eight took place in workplace canteens in high-income countries, and 21 were targeted at socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Pooled analyses of 14 studies showed a price reduction of 20% resulted in increases in fruit and vegetable purchases by 16·62% (95% CI 12·32 to 20·91). Few studies had maintained the price reduction for over 6 months. In conclusion, price reductions can lead to increases in purchases of fruit and vegetables, potentially sufficient to generate health benefits, if sustained.
Author(s): Huangfu P, Pearson F, Abu-Hijleh FM, Wahlich C, Willis K, Awad SF, Abu-Raddad LJ, Critchley JA
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: The Lancet Planetary Health
Year: 2024
Volume: 8
Issue: 3
Pages: e197-e212
Print publication date: 01/03/2024
Online publication date: 05/03/2024
Acceptance date: 02/04/2018
ISSN (electronic): 2542-5196
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00004-4
DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00004-4
PubMed id: 38453385
