Neighborhood supports for healthy eating, active living, and safety: Similarities and differences in perceptions of residents and environmental measures in Latino neighborhoods

Environmental supports for healthy eating, active living, and safety may be especially important for Latinos, given higher rates of obesity. However, little research has comprehensively assessed such supports in Latino neighborhoods through integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods: In 2012, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (California) conducted thirteen focus groups in seven neighborhoods with a high proportion of Latino residents to assess perceptions of neighborhood supports for healthy eating, active living, and safety. We also conducted environmental scans of 506 street segments, 122 food retailers, 34 mobile vendors, and outdoor food marketing; surveyed nutrition staff at 14 schools to assess types of food available for purchase; and conducted geospatial analysis of fast food retail, distance to parks, and violent crime relative to other county neighborhoods. Results: We found a number of consistencies across data sources: higher prices for fresh fruits and vegetables; high density of mobile vendors and fast food; and higher rates of violent crime. However, there were inconsistencies concerning unhealthy food availability in school cafeterias; fast food advertising; and safety of streets for walking, with objective measures indicating a more supportive environment than residents’ perceptions. Conclusion: Perceptions of environmental supports for healthy eating, active living, and safety among residents in Latino neighborhoods may not be entirely consistent with objective measures often used for policy and planning. Such differences warrant attention to ensure place-based strategies and policies address appropriate issues. Moreover, some environmental measures may require modification to better incorporate concerns of residents that influence behavior.