Diet Knowledge and Actual Consumption of Food By Individuals Who Participated in Diet/Health Survey of CSFII-1989.

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME:Will be able to compare the adequacy of diets of U. S. population as related to their diet knowledge level and age. The CSFII-1989 data on 1,505 individuals, who responded to the Diet/Health Knowledge Survey and had 2-day food intakes, were used. The mean age was 43.7 yrs (20–90 yrs); 51% were female, and 80% were Caucasians and 12.5% African-Americans. Weighted sample means were analyzed by ANOVA with Fisher's PLSD test. Ages were grouped into Young (20–24 yrs; n=313), Young-adult (25–50 yrs; n=598), Older-adult (51–64 yrs; n=272) and Elder (65–90 yrs; n=322). Mean intakes for all nutrients, except energy, Ca, Mg, Zn, and vit. B6 & E, exceeded the RDA. Correct response rates on the recommended daily servings for all 5 food groups were highest for Young and lowest for Elder. The correct response ranged 3–13% for grains, 38–70% for vegetables, 45–68% for meats, 60–87% for milk/cheese, and 78–98% for fruits. Young group had better knowledge on the recommended servings, but consumed only 35%, 56%, 65% and 81% of recommended fruits, vegetables, grains and meats, respectively, the lowest among all age groups; they exceeded only in intake of milk/cheese, at the level of 71%. Young-adult consumed most for meats and grains, 114% and 81% of recommendation; for vegetables, Older-adult consumed most at 92% of recommended amount. For each food group, those with a correct response consumed more servings (p<0.0001). Within each age group, servings consumed for milk/cheese, fruits and vegetables by those with correct answers were consistently greater than their counterparts with incorrect responses. In summary, the present study revealed that the US public was least informed on recommended daily servings of grains; Young group had most knowledge on recommended food servings but their compliance with the guidelines was least; and, within each age group, food servings consumed by those with correct responses were closer to the guidelines than for those with incorrect responses. This clearly demonstrates the necessity of nutrition information in improving diets by general public, and further points out that Young age group requires more focused dietary guidance.