The Determinants of Long-Term Sustainment of Healthy Food Retail Environment Changes: A Systematic Review.
Bettina Backman, Cédric N H Middel, Serene Yoong et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined factors associated with sustaining changes to healthy food retail environments, including strategies involving product availability, placement, pricing, and promotion. Eligible studies followed changes for at least 2 years and identified influences on sustainment. Fifteen articles were included, covering grocery or small stores, school canteens, healthcare, and other settings. The most frequently identified domains were implementation processes, such as fidelity, monitoring, and enforcement, and interorganizational factors, including external partners, support, and resources. The authors noted that sustainment was often reported only as a secondary outcome.
Key findings
- Fifteen articles met the review criteria; eight concerned grocery or small stores, three school canteens, two healthcare settings, and two other settings.
- Processes, including fidelity, monitoring, and enforcement, were among the most commonly identified domains influencing sustainment.
- Interorganizational factors, including external partners, support, and resources, were also among the most commonly identified domains.
Why it matters
Food retail interventions may require ongoing implementation and organizational support to maintain healthier environments and their potential population health benefits. The review highlights practical domains to consider when planning and evaluating sustainment, while also showing that evidence about long-term continuation is not consistently captured in study results.
What to keep in mind
Sustainment-related findings were often reported as secondary outcomes, limiting the comprehensiveness of the review.