Protein Intake among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Influence of (Pre-) Motivational Determinants

Marije H Verwijs,Jos W Borkent,Joost O Linschooten,Annet J C Roodenburg,Lisette C P G M De Groot,Annemien Haveman-Nies,Marian A E De Van Der Schueren

doi:10.3390/nu14020293

Abstract

An adequate protein intake is important for healthy ageing, yet nearly 50% of Dutch community-dwelling older adults do not meet protein recommendations. This study explores protein intake in relation to eight behavioral determinants (I-Change model) among Dutch community-dwelling older adults. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from October 2019–October 2020. Protein intake was assessed by the Protein Screener 55+, indicating a high/low chance of a low protein intake (<1.0 g/kg body weight/day). The behavioral determinants of cognizance, knowledge, risk perception, perceived cues, attitude, social support, self-efficacy and intention were assessed by evaluating statements on a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 824 Dutch community-dwelling older adults were included, recruited via online newsletters, newspapers and by personal approach. Poisson regression was performed to calculate quartile-based prevalence ratios (PRs). Almost 40% of 824 respondents had a high chance of a low protein intake. Univariate analyses indicated that lower scores for all different behavioral determinants were associated with a higher chance of a low protein intake. Independent associations were observed for knowledge (Q4 OR = 0.71) and social support (Q4 OR = 0.71). Results of this study can be used in future interventions aiming to increase protein intake in which focus should lie on increasing knowledge and social support.

Highlights

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) affects 7 to 12% of Dutch community-dwelling older adults [1]
39.4% had a high chance of a low protein intake (
This study aimed to explore the chance of a low protein intake regarding eight behavioral determinants of the I-Change model among Dutch community-dwelling older adults

Summary

Introduction

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) affects 7 to 12% of Dutch community-dwelling older adults [1]. PEM, in combination with reduced physical activity, may lead to physical limitations, such as the inability to walk stairs or go grocery shopping [2]. Dutch older adults are often unaware of the importance of an adequate protein intake and of problems associated with malnutrition [3,4,5]. To ensure that the increasing number of older adults [6] remains vital and independent as long as possible, an adequate intake of dietary protein is crucial [7,8]. In contrast to WHO recommendations (0.8 g of protein per kg body weight per day (g/kg BW/day) [9], the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism recommends an intake of 1.0 g protein/kg/day [10].

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