Understanding regional food environments: A qualitative exploration of food purchasing behaviour.

Abstract The characteristics of regional food environments differ from those of urban food environments, however, the importance of these characteristics in shaping food purchasing behaviours is unclear. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, how regional adults use and perceive their food environment and the factors that determine their food purchasing behaviour were explored. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken with thirteen regional-dwelling Australian adults. Findings suggest regional residents consider a range of factors beyond proximity to home, in deciding where to purchase food. Knowing how people use their food environment will inform contextually-appropriate policy recommendations and interventions to improve regional food environments and healthy purchasing behaviours.