How Accessible Are Healthy Alternatives?: Descriptive Study of Food Environments at Argentine Universities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of overweight in young people in Argentina between 18 and 24 years is estimated at 33%. Considering that the university environment is a strategic place for health interventions in this age group, the objective of the study was to describe the physical and economic characteristics of food selling points at Argentine universities. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicenter descriptive study was conducted. Food selling points of 174 university buildings were surveyed through non-participant observation and registration in structured forms, considering following variables: offer of free safe water; characteristics of the offer of food and beverages at points of sale; informal sale; presence of advertising and presence of health promotion messages. RESULTS: In 36% of the buildings there was no offer of free safe water. A total of 301 points of sale of food and/or beverages were observed, with 93% offering sugary sodas, 88% bottled water (with or without gas) and 86% sugary flavored waters and light sodas. A combined analysis showed that the presence of promoted products was not a determining factor for the reduction of the offer of non-recommended or allowed products. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to advance in the regulation of food environments at universities, since the results are alarming. There is also a need to deepen the standards for the certification of healthy universities.