Food Costs Are Higher in Counties With Poor Health Rankings

Background: Poor dietary habits are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease. However, the cost of foods associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease can be a significant barrier to healthy eating. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine whether food prices per serving differed across Kentucky counties based on health ranking and overall nutritional quality. Methods: Fifteen counties were randomly selected based on County Health Ranking. Overall Nutritional Quality Index and cost of 75 foods were assessed in all 15 counties in the same week. A generalized estimating equations model and post hoc analyses were used to assess differences in food cost by nutritional quality and health ranking. Results: Food prices were significantly less in the most healthy counties compared with the least healthy (Z = 3.8; P
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: ARTICLES: Prevention and Early Response Source Type: research