Abstract
This cross-sectional study explored the differences in sociodemographics, dietary intake, and household foodways (cultural, socioeconomic practices that affect food purchase, consumption, and preferences) of food secure and food insecure older women living in a low-income urban setting in South Africa. Women (n = 122) aged 60–85 years old were recruited, a sociodemographic questionnaire was completed, and food security categories were determined. The categories were dichotomised into food secure (food secure and mild food insecurity) and food insecure (moderate and severe). A one-week quantified food frequency questionnaire was administered. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI, kg/m2). Most participants (>90%) were overweight/obese, unmarried/widowed, and breadwinners with a low monthly household income. Food insecure participants (36.9%) more frequently borrowed money for food (57.8% vs. 39.0%, p = 0.04), ate less so that their children could have more to eat (64.4%. vs. 27.3%, p = 0.001), and had higher housing density (1.2 vs. 1.0, p = 0.03), compared to their food-secure counterparts. Overall, <30% of participants met the WHO (Geneva, Switzerland) recommended daily servings of healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, and dairy products), but >60% perceived that they consumed an adequate amount of healthy foods. The overall low-quality diet of our cohort was associated with poor nutritional perceptions and choices, coupled with financial constraints.
Highlights
Food security and adequate nutrition are of great importance for the well-being of older adults, helping to reduce age-related vulnerability to disease, mental deterioration, and impaired immune function [1,2]
Test. * Recommended number of servings https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/serving-and-portion-sizes-how-much-should-i-eat. In this convenience sample of older South African women who reside in a low-income, urban community, 36.9% of women were from households considered to be moderately or severely food insecure
Women who were food insecure consumed a greater percentage of their energy intake in the form of carbohydrates and less in the form of fats and presented with coping strategies to provide food for the household, which included borrowing money for food and eating less
Summary
Food security and adequate nutrition are of great importance for the well-being of older adults, helping to reduce age-related vulnerability to disease, mental deterioration, and impaired immune function [1,2]. Studies have shown that the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity, especially in older adults, is linked to food insecurity, foodways, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours [3,4]. Food security exists when ‘all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe.
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