Store Availability and In-Store Availability of Basic Diabetic-Healthy Food Options in Selected Barangays in Davao City, Philippines

Abstract

This study seeks to characterize the local food environment in selected barangays in Davao City, Philippines.  Specifically, it is designed to describe the availability of food stores as well as the in-store availability of basic diabetic-healthy food options in these areas. Store presence, location and store inventory were assessed by groundtruthing using an observation checklist and survey questionnaire in the 6 selected barangays in Davao City.  Descriptive analysis was used to show the different types and number of food sources at the community level as well as the presence or absence of diabetic-healthy food options that should be available for purchase. A total of 2,315 food sources participated in the survey.  Majority of the food sources (79%) were food retailers while the rest were categorized as food establishments (sold cooked food). Among food retailers, bread, eggs, brown sugar and coffee were the most available diabetic-healthy food options while the availability of fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and reduced fat milk were limited at best.  Although more than half of the food establishments served vegetables dishes, low-fat and low-salt dishes were not available.  Although results indicate that most diabetic-healthy food options are being sold in food stores at the community level, the proliferation of small size food stores constrained the availability of healthier food options, particularly fresh produce and low-salt, low fat dishes.  Further research on the policy mechanisms to increase the availability of these products should be explored further.