Identification of Variables Affecting Nutritional Risks of Elderly Utilizing the Nutrition Screening Initiative

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to identify variables affecting nutritional risks of participants in selected Elderly Nutrition Programs in Oklahoma using the “Determine Your Nutritional Health Checklist”, developed as part of the Nutrition Screening Initiative. A total of 153 subjects volunteered to participate in the study. Statistical techniques were used to determine the association, between selected demographic variable and nutritional risk mean scores, as well as between each of the nutritional risk statements. A score of 0–2 indicated low nutritional risk; 3–5, moderate nutritional risk; and 6 was high nutritional risk. The majority of subjects were 65–84 years of age (73%), female (62%), and white (58%), Seventy-two (50%) lived alone, and (35%) were low income. Most of the subjects (82%) had been participating in the ENP for more than six months. All of the respondents were at moderate or high nutritional risk, with scores ranging from 3.41 to 7.33. Females, blacks, and those with low income had significantly higher nutritional risk mean scores. Although not significant, those below 60 years of age (2%), over 85 years of age (8%), living alone (50%), and had participated less than six months (17%) had high nutritional risk mean scores. All demographic variables studied were significantly associated with nutritional risks. Eating alone most of the time was significantly associated with age (p=.03), gender (p = .000), living alone (p=.000), low income (p=.01), and eating fewer than two meals each day (p=.05). Females (p=.04), and those participating in the ENP for less than six months (p = .008) were significantly more likely to consume fewer fruits, vegetables, or dairy products. Blacks were significantly more likely to have tooth or mouth problems that interfered with eating (p=.02), eating fewer than two meals a day (p=.07), and not always having enough money for food (p=.03). In summary, characteristics of ENP participants which were most significantly associated with nutritional risks were (1) eating alone most of the time, (2) low income, and (3) eating few fruits, vegetables, or dairy products. These findings are likely to affect the nutritional health of the subjects, and can be used in nutrition education to improve eating habits, and modify lifestyle in order to reduce potential nutrition-related health problems.