Black-white disparities in alcohol consumption trends among women in the United States, 1990-2015.

Alcohol consumption has more adverse consequences among African American women than among white women. Yet little is known about trends in alcohol consumption among African American women. Using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined trends in alcohol consumption among African American (n = 4,079) and white (n = 17,512) women, 1990-2015. We calculated population prevalence and used the Cochrane-Armitage test to examine trends, controlling for sociodemographic factors. In adjusted analyses, binge consumption increased for African American and white women; not consuming alcohol decreased among African Americans (all p < 0.05). Results highlight the need for culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies.

Alcohol consumption among older women in the United States.

Few studies have examined alcohol consumption among older women. Using the nationally representative National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined binge, moderate, and no alcohol consumption among women ages 50+ (n = 21,178). We calculated population prevalence by age and used multivariate logistic regression, controlling for seven sociodemographic factors. In adjusted results, women ages 65+ were more likely to have moderate or no alcohol consumption than those 50-64; Hispanic and African American women were more likely to engage in binge consumption than whites (all p < .01). More research is needed to understand binge alcohol consumption among older women in racial/ethnic minorities.

Accessibility Landscapes of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Authorized Stores.

BACKGROUND: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest food assistance program in the United States. Participants receive electronic benefits that are redeemable at a variety of food stores. Previous research notes that low-income neighborhoods often lack supermarkets with high-quality, affordable food. OBJECTIVE: The first aim of this study was to explore the number and spatial distribution of SNAP stores by type and to assess how SNAP benefit redemption is linked to store type in North Carolina in 2015. The second aim was to compare the demographics of populations living in areas with a high concentration of SNAP participants vs areas with a lower concentration of SNAP participants. The third aim was to test for disparities in the availability of and access to SNAP-authorized stores in areas with high vs low concentration of SNAP participants stratified by rural/urban status. DESIGN: US Department of Agriculture and US Census data were used to explore the spatial distribution of SNAP stores at the census block group level utilizing a Geographic Information System. PARTICIPANTS: The 9,556 North Carolina SNAP stores in 2015 categorized into full-variety and limited-variety stores. OUTCOME MEASURES: Proximity to limited-variety SNAP food stores and full-variety SNAP food stores within access range (1 mile in urban areas and 10 miles in rural areas). STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Wilcoxon rank sum and χ2 tests are used to compare the distance to and concentration of SNAP stores by rurality and SNAP participant concentration at census block group scale. RESULTS: Among the SNAP stores in North Carolina, 83% are limited-variety stores and 17% are full-variety stores. There are disparities in the demographics of individuals living in census block groups with a high proportion of SNAP participants compared to census block groups with a lower proportion of SNAP participants. More households in higher SNAP participant census block groups were non-white, did not have a car, and had children compared to census block groups with lower SNAP participation. Residents in high SNAP participant census block groups typically had access to 0 full-variety stores and 4 limited-variety stores in urban areas and 3 full-variety stores and 17 limited-variety stores in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: SNAP participant access to a variety of stores should be considered when approving food stores for SNAP authorization. More research is essential to disentangle the relationship between access to SNAP store type and SNAP food choice and to estimate geographical disparities.

Availability of Foods and Beverages in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Authorized Dollar Stores in a Region of North Carolina.

BACKGROUND: There are >25,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-authorized dollar stores throughout the United States; many are located in lower-income neighborhoods and provide an accessible food and beverage source for area residents. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to determine the percent of food deserts within 16 counties in North Carolina that include a SNAP dollar store; examine the types of foods and beverages at SNAP dollar stores in these counties; test whether the foods and beverages offered vary by SNAP dollar store chain; and test whether the foods and beverages available differ by rural and urban location. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used a combination of publicly available data and primary data to investigate the research questions. Secondary data sources were obtained from the US Department of Agriculture's SNAP retailer locator, the US Census, and the US Department of Agriculture's Food Access Research Atlas. Availability of foods and beverages was assessed among a sample of 90 SNAP dollar stores in 16 counties in southern and western sections of North Carolina. Data were collected in June 2014. RESULTS: About half (52%) of the food deserts in the research area included a SNAP dollar store. Most of the sampled stores sold healthier food staples, such as frozen meats, brown rice, 100% whole-wheat bread, and dried beans. None of the stores sold fresh fruits or vegetables. Some of the foods and beverages offered (eg, frozen fruit, frozen unseasoned vegetables, nonfat or low-fat milk, frozen ground beef) varied by SNAP dollar store chain. The foods and beverages offered did not differ by rural or urban county location. CONCLUSIONS: SNAP dollar stores offer a number of healthy food staples; however, they do not sell fresh fruits or vegetables. Further food environment research should include dollar stores.