(P13-019-24) Spatial Analysis of Overweight and Obesity Prevalence and Convenience Stores Density in 400 and 800 m Radii

Objectives: An ecological study was conducted among children aged 6–12 years from schools in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Mexico, with a focus on the prevalence of overweight and obesity (OW + Ob).

Objective: To detect possible associations between schools OW+Ob and the proximity and density of convenience stores in Monterrey from 2015-2018 period.

Methods: Nutritional status data reported in the National Registry of Weight and Height (RNPT) were analyzed, and convenience store data were extracted from INEGI’s National Directory of Economic Units (DNUE). A suburb-level polygon layer that included the Socioeconomic Index (SEI) was also incorporated. Quintiles were generated to assess the prevalence of OW + Ob, and influence zones with radii of 400 m and 800 m were delineated around each school. Analyses were conducted using QGIS 3.282 and the SPSS 25 software.

Results: The average distance to the nearest store decreases as the prevalence of OW + Ob increases. Specifically, schools with a higher prevalence on average had convenience stores closer than those with a lower prevalence. For the 800m radius the schools from the lower quintile (Q1) of OW + Ob showed an average of about four convenience stores, and we found a rising trend up to Q5 schools that averaged seven stores in proximity. Between 2015 and 2018, an increase in the number and density of stores was observed in all schools, regardless of the level of prevalence.

Conclusions: OW + Ob is a complex phenomenon that cannot be reduced to a few factors. This study aims to address the key question of whether the stores themselves are the driving force behind the development of OW + Ob or whether the mere presence of stores in certain locations is a reflection of the inherent economic characteristics of regions within the metropolitan area.

Funding Sources: No funding sources