Relationship among Nutritional Intake Status, Eating Behaviors and Related Factors of the Elderly in Cheongju City

This study was performed to assess the effect of eating behaviors and health-related variables on overall dietary quality. Ninety-four(male 21, female 73) elderly who were over 60 residing in middle income areas in Cheongju city participated. Information on general characteristics of the elderly, health-related life style, regularity of meal, meal balance and desirable eating habits were obtained by interview based on questionnare. Dietary nutrient intake data were obtained through the 24 hour recall method. The mean age and BMI of the subjects were 73.3 years old and 23.3(male 21.8 female 23.7) respectively. The proportions of underweight and hypertension were 19.2% and 36.2%. Most nutrients except vitamin $B_2$ and calcium were consumed over 75% of the RDA. The Mean Adequacy of Ratio(MAR) of nutrient intake was 0.64(male 0.72, female 0.62). The average score of regularity of meal, meal balance, and desirable eating habits was 14.4 out of a possible 16, 13.7 out of a possible 24 and 5.5 out of a possible 16 points respectively. Male than female, older subjects than young subjects, and those living with their spouses than with other family or living alone had better scores in eating behaviors. Smoking, chewing ability and eating alone vs eating with company affected overall of regulality of meal and meal balance(p<0.05). Positive correlation (p<0.05) was also dietary quality. There was a positive correlation between the mean adequacy ratio, score observed between scores in regularity of meal and meal balance. Therefore, the elderly should be encouraged to eat a variety of food, maintain good dental health, keep regularity of meal and have meals with company to help improve overall dietary quality and eventually achieve optimal nutritional status.

청주시 노인들의 영양섭취 실태와 식행동 및 관련요인과의 연관성