stephanie godrich - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by stephanie godrich

Nutrients

Current tools scoring the healthiness of food retail outlets do not reflect outlets found in rura... more Current tools scoring the healthiness of food retail outlets do not reflect outlets found in rural locations. This study aimed to adapt pre-existing Australian scoring tools to represent non-metropolitan areas. Rural nutrition experts were identified, and a modified Delphi technique was used to adapt two pre-existing, food-scoring tools in five iterative stages. Stages included identifying all relevant outlets, providing a description and score for each, ensuring consistency between outlet scores and pre-existing, metro-centric tools, and providing instructions for correct use. Six rural nutrition experts were identified and engaged in the modified Delphi technique. The final tool consisted of 12 categories of food outlets and listed 35 individual outlets. Consistent with pre-existing Australian tools, scores ranged from +10 to −10 and included descriptions reflective of rural retail outlets. Scores were based on whether the majority of foods offered within the outlet were consisten...

Nutrients, Sep 2, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic vulnerabilities and disrupted the Australian food ... more The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic vulnerabilities and disrupted the Australian food supply, with potential implications for food insecurity. This study aims to describe the prevalence and socio-demographic associations of food insecurity in Tasmania, Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey (deployed late May to early June 2020) incorporated the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form, and fifteen demographic and COVID-related income questions. Survey data (n = 1170) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. The prevalence of food insecurity was 26%. The adjusted odds of food insecurity were higher among respondents with a disability, from a rural area, and living with dependents. Increasing age, a university education, and income above $80,000/year were protective against food insecurity. Food insecurity more than doubled with a loss of household income above 25% (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.02; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.71; p = 0.022), and the odds further increased with loss of income above 75% (AOR: 7.14; 95% CI: 2.01, 24.83; p = 0.002). Our results suggest that the prevalence of food insecurity may have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among economically vulnerable households and people who lost income. Policies that support disadvantaged households and ensure adequate employment opportunities are important to support Australians throughout and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Access to and consumption of regionally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) may b... more Background: Access to and consumption of regionally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) may be limited in agriculturally-productive regions of Tasmania, with significant health and socio-economic implications. This pilot study aimed to measure access to and consumption of regionally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) in Tasmania, and compare the results across levels of rurality. Methods: A survey measured purchasing patterns and enabling factors related to accessing and consuming regionally-grown FFV, and consumption of regionally-grown FFV as a proportion of overall FFV intake. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted using a convenience sample of Tasmanian adults. Data were coded into ARIA remoteness categories. Chi-square statistics and one-way ANOVA compared results according to rurality. Results: Respondents (n=104, female=68%, inner-regional residing=81%, income 80,000−80,000- 80,000−100,000=52%, tertiary educated=86%) perceived regionally-grown FFV as ‘very important’ (67%). Respondents accessed regionally-grown FFV at supermarkets (96%), fruit & vegetable shops (74%), farmers markets (65%), and 74% grow their own, with no difference according to rurality. Respondents reported wanting to know where their FFV is grown (92%), and reported already knowing how to access (81%) and prepare (90%) the FFV. Financial support of community (91%) and farmers (93%) were major enabling factors. On average, 47% vegetables and 62% fruit consumed were estimated as regionally-grown, with no difference according to rurality (p>0.05). Conclusion: Respondents favoured and frequently accessed regionally-grown FFV, and they contributed a large proportion of overall FFV intake, regardless of rurality. However, respondents were highly-educated, had high income, and based in inner-regional areas, limiting the generalisability of these pilot findings.

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Mar 27, 2023

Background Digital interventions may help address low vegetable intake in adults, however there i... more Background Digital interventions may help address low vegetable intake in adults, however there is limited understanding of the features that make them effective. We systematically reviewed digital interventions to increase vegetable intake to 1) describe the effectiveness of the interventions; 2) examine links between effectiveness and use of co-design, personalisation, behavioural theories, and/or a policy framework; and 3) identify other features that contribute to effectiveness. Methods A systematic search strategy was used to identify eligible studies from MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, INFORMIT, IEEE Xplore and Clinical Trial Registries, published between January 2000 and August 2022. Digital interventions to increase vegetable intake were included, with effective interventions identified based on statistically significant improvement in vegetable intake. To identify policy-action gaps, studies were mapped across the three domains of the NOURISHING framework (i.e., behaviour change communication, food environment, and food system). Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools for randomized, cluster randomized and non-randomized trials. Results Of the 1,347 records identified, 30 studies were included. Risk of bias was high or serious in most studies (n = 25/30; 83%). Approximately one quarter of the included interventions (n = 8) were effective at improving vegetable intake. While the features of effective and ineffective interventions were similar, embedding of behaviour change theories (89% vs 61%) and inclusion of stakeholders in the design of the intervention (50% vs 38%) were more common among effective interventions. Only one (ineffective) intervention used true co-design. Although fewer effective interventions included personalisation (67% vs 81%), the degree of personalisation varied considerably between studies. All interventions mapped across the NOURISHING framework behaviour change communication domain, with one ineffective intervention also mapping across the food environment domain. Conclusion Few digital interventions identified in this review were effective for increasing vegetable intake. Embedding behaviour change theories and involving stakeholders in intervention design may increase the likelihood of success. The under-utilisation of comprehensive co-design methods presents an opportunity to ensure that personalisation approaches better meet the needs of target populations. Moreover, future digital interventions should address both behaviour change and food environment influences on vegetable intake.

Australian Journal of Rural Health

AimThe aim of this study was to summarise key evidence from recent Australian rural nutrition res... more AimThe aim of this study was to summarise key evidence from recent Australian rural nutrition research and provide recommendations for future nutrition and dietetics research with rural communities.ContextClear evidence demonstrates that diet plays a role in the health gap between rural and metropolitan Australia. Despite the opportunity to address the health of rural Australians through better nutrition, alarmingly low investment in nutrition and dietetics research has occurred historically, and over the past decade.ApproachA review of the evidence was undertaken by rural nutrition and dietetics leaders to provide a commentary piece to inform future rural nutrition research efforts.ConclusionEstablishing strong, collaborative place‐based nutrition and dietetics research teams are necessary to combat the significant gaps in the scientific knowledge of solutions to improve nutrition in rural Australia. Further, dieticians and nutritionists who live in and understand the rural context...

Regional food systems are complex networks with numerous retail sources that underpin a local eco... more Regional food systems are complex networks with numerous retail sources that underpin a local economy. However, evidence is limited regarding consumer perceptions of how to define, identify, and source regionally grown fresh fruits and vegetables (RGFFV). This study aimed to determine how RGFFV are defined and identified by consumers, and where they are sourced in two agricultural regions of Australia. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey was conducted using a convenience sample of adults in Tasmania and South West Western Australia (WA). Survey data (Total n=243; Tasmania n=120, South West WA n=123) identified that consumers had mixed perceptions of how RGFFVs are defined, including produce sold at farmers markets (37%), grown within a geographic boundary (27%), available at local supermarkets (21%), and to a lesser extent, sold at farm-gates. RGFFVs were most commonly identified through product labelling (60%). Consumers reported purchasing RGFFVs at supermarkets (80%), greengrocers (68%) and farmers markets (63%), and a high proportion grow their own (67%). While supermarkets offer convenience, consumers enjoy the experience of farmers markets and growing their own produce. These findings assist in identifying gaps and opportunities for improving the consumption of fresh produce, which may positively influence regional economic growth and population health and wellbeing.

Health Promotion Journal of Australia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

This study aimed to explore how food supply chains were impacted by COVID-19 and identify how the... more This study aimed to explore how food supply chains were impacted by COVID-19 and identify how the region could be better prepared for future crises. An online survey was completed by 107 consumers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 food supply stakeholders working in food production, distribution, retail, hospitality, institutions (i.e., childcare), logistics/freight and local government. Pre-COVID-19, farmer-direct distribution options and hospitality businesses comprised a substantial proportion of local food producer businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers favoured local food supply options, farmers collaborated, and produce usually destined for export was redirected into local markets. Critical food supply actions included keeping borders open to food freight, enhancing social capital through real-time business communication, and business flexibility. Solutions included business adaptation, for example, farmers selling produce boxes and hospitality businesse...

Employability skills can be categorised as ‘people’ or ‘soft skills’ and ‘technical’ or ‘industry... more Employability skills can be categorised as ‘people’ or ‘soft skills’ and ‘technical’ or ‘industry specific’ skills. Australian employers are increasingly seeking to employ university graduates with well-developed people skills. Evidence from industry suggests these skills, in particular communication skills are lacking in today’s graduates. The aim of this study was to raise student awareness of the importance of people skills, assess their perception of personal competence across a range of these skills and support them to develop plans that will help them strengthen these skills in preparation for graduation. An online survey was emailed to 222 first year undergraduate students; 99 were completed. Analysis of quantitative data revealed students perceived themselves to be highly competent across a range of people skills. However, qualitative data found students also identified people skills that they needed to develop further. The study findings suggest that first-year students may...

Nutrition Journal, 2022

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Australian food supply through changed consumer... more Background The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Australian food supply through changed consumer purchasing patterns, and potentially, household food security. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the prevalence of food insecurity and food supply issues, and perspectives of food supply stakeholders in regional Australia. Methods A mixed-methods consumer survey and in-depth interviews with food supply stakeholders were conducted in regional Australia, more specifically South West Western Australia between May and July 2020, immediately after the 1st wave of the pandemic. Results The prevalence of food insecurity was 21% among consumers, and significantly more prevalent for those aged less than 30 years and living with a disability. Most consumers (73%) agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the food supply. Food insecure respondents were more likely to report that food was more expensive, resulting in changes to the types and quantities of food bo...

PLOS Global Public Health, 2022

Addressing overconsumption of protein-rich foods from high ecological footprint sources can have ... more Addressing overconsumption of protein-rich foods from high ecological footprint sources can have positive impacts on health such as reduction of non-communicable disease risk and protecting the natural environment. With the increased attention towards development of ecologically sustainable diets, this systematic review aimed to critically review literature on effectiveness of those interventions aiming to promote protein-rich foods from lower ecological footprint sources. Five electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Global Health) were searched for articles published up to January 2021. Quantitative studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on actual or intended consumption of protein-rich animal-derived and/or plant-based foods; purchase, or selection of meat/plant-based diet in real or virtual environments. We assessed 140 full-text articles for eligibility of which 51 were included in this review. The results were narratively synthesised. Inc...

Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 2022

Additional file 1. Semi-structured interview guide.

Aim and relevance This component of a wider study aimed to explore key informants’ perceptions of... more Aim and relevance This component of a wider study aimed to explore key informants’ perceptions of factors that positively or negatively influence fruit and vegetable consumption among regional/remote WA children. The results will inform a) policies which support the provision of affordable, quality fruit and vegetables to regional/remote areas, and b) community-based interventions. The results of this study will enhance knowledge and have wide-reaching community health benefits at multiple levels of influence.

BMC Public Health, 2021

Background To achieve zero hunger targets set within the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, high-income... more Background To achieve zero hunger targets set within the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, high-income countries such as Australia must reconsider current efforts to improve food security. This study aimed to; explore perspectives from public health nutrition experts on the usefulness of drawing on the international human right to food, and associated mechanisms, to address food insecurity; identify potential roles of key stakeholders in Australia to implement a rights-based approach; and examine barriers and enablers to achieving the right to food in Australia. Methods Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants (> 10 years professional experience). Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase approach to thematic analysis was employed to analyse data, using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework (1984) to examine interactive variables which affect policy-making processes. Results Thirty interviews took place, with most participants representing academia (n = 16), majorit...