Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and Eating Behavior as Health Indicators of Elder Mississippians

Abstract

As an indicator of health status of the elderly (60+) in Mississippi, their awareness about nutrition knowledge anc! eating pattern was surveyed. Data indicated that 75% of participants were Black and 80% were female. About nutrition knowledge 80% believed that use of salt and sugar in moderation, and maintaining a healthy weight are important. Their knowledge about fiber as a nutrient whs very limited (20%) and so was knowledge about serving sizes from different food groups.Most of them (80%) did not get much information about nutrition from other sources but from heir physicians. About half of the population studied made a conscious effort to choose low fat milk. They choose poultry mostly (80%) compared to other sources of meat (20%). Use of fruits was limited (20%) and so was a variety in vegetables (40%). Use of nutrition information on food packages or from labels was limited (20%).Most of them had problem reducing salt intake (80%) and believed ihat good ole Southern Cooking is too good to change. Even though the practice was limited (20%) almost ail of them believed that eating a variety of food with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is good for health. There is a need to increase Programs/Services to disseminate information on nutrition, use of food labels and use of food groups in a healthy way by the elders in the South.