Scaling up the Snap-ED toolkit interventions to improve fruit and vegetable consumption across counties in Georgia: An agent-based model

Donglan Zhang, Janani J. Thapa, Gang Li, Heejung Son, Zhuo Chen, Lan Mu, Yan Li, Junxiu Liu, José A. Pagán, Philippe J. Giabbanelli

Research output: Journal PublicationConference articlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-Ed Toolkit includes a set of interventions to increase the fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption of SNAP-eligible households on a limited budget. It is unclear how the interventions affect dietary choices in local populations. This study combines detailed local data with an agent-based model (ABM) to assess the potential cost-effectiveness of scaling up the SNAP-Ed Toolkit interventions in 13 selected metro-Atlanta counties in Georgia. The ABM drew insights from prior research on healthy eating choices and was empirically validated. The model predicted the actual FV consumption levels (R2=0.951, P<0.001). If the interventions could successfully enhance community healthy eating norms by 10% and 20%, they would significantly increase FV consumption. The cost per year to bring one person to consume at least two servings of FV daily) was $23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $18 - $29), and $10 (95% CI: $9 - $12) in each scenario.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)571-582
Number of pages12
JournalSimulation Series
Volume53
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes
Event2021 Annual Modeling and Simulation Conference, ANNSIM 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 19 Jul 202122 Jul 2021

Keywords

  • Agent-based model
  • Cost analysis
  • Health behaviors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications

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