The purpose of this study was to examine nutrition and health in community residing middle aged and elderly men and women. Cox's Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (Cox, 1986) was used to guide this study. Outcomes included clinical health status indicators and adherence to recommended regimens. Existing data (BRFSS-CDC) from a metropolitan agency, that included one metropolitan county in Tennessee and two rural counties in northwest Georgia, was used. Subjects were chosen randomly from telephone listings and data was collected by telephone interview. The sample (N=473) included 40% elderly, 12% African American and 58% women. Approval was obtained from the university IRB.
The relation of age and gender to RDA dietary intake in 6 food groups, adherence to recommended health practices, and clinical health status indicators were tested using large-sample chi-square analysis. Women and elderly had better dietary intake and screenings. Women were more likely to be underweight and have HTN; men and middle-aged persons were more likely to be obese. High cholesterol was not related to age, gender, BMI risk or dietary intake. HTN was related to obesity and middle age. Only 3 of 8 HP2010 target objectives were met (decreased fat intake, hypertension screening and cholesterol screening). Interventions are needed to better identify male nutritional risk and to increase adherence and outcomes, especially among men and middle-aged persons.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant should be able to: 1. Identify gender and age groups with at-risk nutritional behaviors. 2. Evaluate gender and age groups that meet HP2010 nutrition-related targets. 3. Discuss intervention strategies for at-risk nutrition groups.
Keywords: Nutrition, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.