| Popis: |
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing throughout the world and are estimated to cause 90% of all deaths in Sweden. Non-European immigrants have a two-fold risk of developing NCDs andsuburbs with higher proportion of immigrants have a higher prevalence of these diseases. Food retail is in a unique position to deliver interventions that can influence healthier eating behavior since it is the setting where most of the food is procured. A key factor in the future success of health interventions in food retail stores is support of managers, but studies from their perspective are lacking. Methods: Nine in-depth interviews were conducted, among two categories of participants: Managers of food retail stores in socio-disadvantaged areas, referred as store managers, and Dieticians working with health issues within food retail referred as health managers. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the transcripts. Results: The analysis resulted in two main themes: Constrained by reality and Reframing responsibilities. Store managers felt reluctance to initiate health interventions due to lack of health awareness and interest among their customers. Health managers were involved in many national health promotion activities, but stressed the need for local initiatives if health interventions were to be successful. Both store and health managers thought government should take more actions and set defined health regulations for them to follow. Conclusion: Food retailer managers did not perceive themselves as initiators of health interventions as a part of business practice and identified structural barriers that hinder in-store health initiatives. A shared belief was the need for a structural approach for improving public health, including a governmental responsibility to improve health in disadvantaged areas and clear regulations to influence public health. Keywords: Food retail managers, health managers, store managers, health interventions, disadvantaged suburbs, in-depth interviews, prevention of non-communicable disease, environmental health. |
