Research themes and projects at the Key Centre for Women's Health in Society
Project title
The Victorian Lifestyle and Neigbourhood Environment Study (VicLANES)
Major research theme
Investigators
- Professor Anne Kavanagh, KCWHS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
- Dr Gavin Turrell, School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology
- Prof David Crawford, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University
- A/Prof Damien Jolley, Monash Institute of Health Research, Monash University
- Ms Susan Donath, CEBU, Royal Children’s Hospital
- Ms Tania King, KCWHS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
Funding
Two VicHealth grants:
- Environmental and individual predictors of physical activity and dietary behaviour. Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, 2002-2004, $413,118
- Environmental and individual determinants of alcohol intake. Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, 2002-2004, $95,000
Summary
VicLANES is a multilevel study of food-purchasing, physical activity and alcohol consumption in 50 areas in Melbourne. Detailed information was collected from the environment on: walkability of areas; presence of recreational facilities; presence of food shops, price and availability of healthy and less healthy food alternatives and common alcoholic beverages.
Two surveys were also distributed to a random sample of households in the areas and a 60% response rate (approx 5000 respondents) was achieved. In one survey, a randomly selected household member was asked about: the purchase of healthy or less healthy foods; location of purchase; perceptions regarding the availability and price of healthy and less healthy alternatives; and attitudes and knowledge about diet.
In the other survey, a randomly selected household member was asked about physical activity and alcohol use. Questions included physical activity participation, perceptions regarding their local environment, attitudes and knowledge about physical activity, the influence of other household members on physical activity participation and alcohol use.
The surveys and environmental audit data were collected between September and December 2003. Details of papers published can be found on the VicLANES website