scholarly journals Awareness and Use of Nutrition Information Predict Measured and Self-Rated Diet Quality of Older Adults in the United States (P18-046-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Vaudin ◽  
Edwina Wambogo ◽  
Alanna Moshfegh ◽  
Nadine Sahyoun

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate: 1) the diet quality of older adults, using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) and self-rated diet quality, 2) characteristics associated with reported awareness and use of nutrition information, 3) factors associated with HEI-2015 score and self-rated diet quality, including the relationship with awareness and use of nutrition information. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 24-hour recall and questionnaire data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014, including 4493 subjects, aged 60 years and older. The population ratio method was used in SAS 9.4 to calculate mean HEI scores. Data was stratified by gender, then t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare means and chi-squares were used to compare proportions. Logistic and linear regression were used to test for associations with diet quality, controlling for potential covariates. Results The mean total HEI score for men was significantly lower than for women (63.7 ± 0.8 vs. 66.6 ± 0.8 respectively, P < 0.0001). Compared to men, more women reported nutrition awareness (53.7% vs. 41.1%, P < 0.0001), and use of nutrition information (19.3% vs. 9.2%, P < 0.0001). Nutrition awareness was also associated with race, age, education, socioeconomic status, and food security. In bivariate analyses, nutrition awareness and use of nutrition information were significantly associated with both HEI score and self-rated diet quality in both men and women. In multivariate analyses, nutrition awareness remained a significant predictor of HEI for women but not men, and remained a significant predictor of self-reported diet quality in men but not women. Conclusions Nutrition awareness and use of nutrition information are significantly related to diet quality in older adults, even when controlling for other factors. There are differences in these relationships for older adult men versus women. Gaps in awareness, indicating need for nutrition education, exist in men, non-whites, those participating in nutrition assistance programs, and those with lower education and socioeconomic status. Closing these gaps may lead to improved diet quality in segments of the older adult population. Funding Sources Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3891
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Gearan ◽  
Kelley Monzella ◽  
Leah Jennings ◽  
Mary Kay Fox

Prior research has shown that participation in the United States’ National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is associated with consuming higher-quality lunches and diets overall, but little is known about differences by income and race/ethnicity. This analysis used 24 h dietary recall data from the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study to examine how NSLP participation affects the diet quality of students in different income and racial/ethnic subgroups. Diet quality at lunch and over 24 h was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, where higher scores indicate higher-quality intakes. HEI-2010 scores for NSLP participants and nonparticipants in each subgroup were estimated, and two-tailed t-tests were conducted to determine whether participant–nonparticipant differences in scores within each subgroup were statistically significant. NSLP participants’ lunches received significantly higher total HEI-2010 scores than those of nonparticipants for lower-income, higher-income, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black students, suggesting that participating in the NSLP helps most students consume healthier lunches. These significantly higher total scores for participants’ lunch intakes persisted over 24 h for higher-income students and non-Hispanic White students but not for lower-income students or students of other races/ethnicities. For NSLP participants in all subgroups, the nutritional quality of their 24 h intakes was much lower than at lunch, suggesting that the positive influence of the NSLP on their overall diet quality was negatively influenced by foods consumed the rest of the day (outside of lunch).


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Anna Vaudin ◽  
Edwina Wambogo ◽  
Alanna Moshfegh ◽  
Nadine R Sahyoun

Abstract Objectives: To examine: (1) diet quality of older adults, using the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and self-rated diet quality, (2) characteristics associated with reported awareness and use of nutrition information and (3) factors associated with HEI score and self-rated diet quality. Design: Cross-sectional study. Based on Day 1 and/or Day 2 dietary recalls, the Per-Person method was used to estimate HEI-2010 component and total scores. T-tests and ANOVA were used to compare means. Logistic and linear regressions were used to test for associations with diet quality, controlling for potential confounders. Setting: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2014. Participants: Three thousand and fifty-six adults, aged 60 years and older, who completed at least one 24-h recall and answered questions on awareness and use of nutrition information. Results: Mean HEI score for men was significantly lower than for women (56·4 ± 0·6 v. 60·2 ± 0·6, P < 0·0001). Compared with men, more women were aware of (44·8 % v. 33·7 %, P < 0·05) and used (13·7 % v. 5·9 %, P < 0·05) nutrition information. In multivariable analyses, awareness and use of nutrition information were significant predictors of both HEI and self-rated diet quality for both women and men. Groups with lower nutrition awareness included men, non-Whites, participants in nutrition assistance programmes and those with lower education and socio-economic status. Conclusions: Nutrition awareness and use of nutrition information are associated with diet quality in adults 60 years and older. Gaps in awareness of dietary guidelines in certain segments of the older adult population suggest that targeted education may improve diet quality for these groups.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayrouz Sakr Ashour ◽  
Edwina Wambogo ◽  
Nadine Sahyoun

Abstract Objectives 1) Examine diet quality of OAANSP meals, 2) examine diet quality of complementary food consumed in addition to the CM/HDM meal, and 3) examine diet quality of daily intake by individuals who did versus did not consume a CM/HDM meal. Background: Older adults are becoming a larger proportion of the US population, a phenomenon that will continue over the next few decades. Congregate (CM) and home-delivered meals (HDM) of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program (OAANP) have beneficial effects on the lives of older adults. Yet, data demonstrating value remains relatively limited, arguably leading to underfunding. Methods Data from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Outcomes Evaluation Study was collected using a multistage clustered sample design. Data collection tools comprised a survey (including information on respondent's sociodemographics, health status, self-reported weight and height, social relationships, dietary self-reliance, participation in other nutrition assistance programs, and food security) and two 24-hour recalls. HEI-2010 was used to calculate individual and mean scores using the simple HEI scoring algorithm and the population ratio method, respectively. Radar plots were used to visualize HEI comparisons, and multiple logistic regression models were built to examine associations between diet quality and OAANSP. Results OAANSP participation was associated with HEI (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.04 for CM and HDM, respectively) and so was number of meals/day (P = 0.007 and P = 0.03 for CM and HDM, respectively). Compared to the complementary diet, OAANSP meals had better scores for total vegetables (P < 0.0001), and greens and beans (P < 0.001). The complementing diet quality for CM participants had better scores than the meal for total fruit, whole grains, seafood and plant proteins; and whole grains for HDM participant. Meals and complementing foods exceeded the dietary guidelines for sodium, refined grains, saturated fat, added sugar and total protein. HDM participants’ mean HEI score was lower on no meal-day compared to meal-day (P < 0.0001). Conclusions CM/HDM meals may need to be revised, especially for sodium, added sugar and refined grains. Adding another meal daily and expanding nutrition education may be important for a healthier diet. Funding Sources None.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2717
Author(s):  
Magdalena Vinyard ◽  
Meghan Zimmer ◽  
Kirsten A. Herrick ◽  
Mary Story ◽  
Wenyen Juan ◽  
...  

Diet quality in the United States is improving over time but remains poor. Food outlets influence diet quality and represent the environments in which individuals make choices about food purchases and intake. The objective of this study was to use the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) to evaluate the quality of foods consumed from the four major outlets where food is obtained—stores, full-service restaurants, quick-services restaurants, and schools—and to assess changes over time. This cross-sectional study used 24 h dietary recall data from eight cycles (2003–2004 to 2017–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Linear trend estimation was used to test for changes in HEI scores over time, and balanced repeated replicate weighted linear regression was used to test for differences in total and component scores between types of food outlets. Overall, Americans are not consuming a mix of foods from any major category of food outlet that aligns with dietary guidelines. The total score for schools (65/100 points) and stores (62/100 points) was significantly higher than full-service (51/100 points) and quick-service (39/100 points) restaurants (p < 0.0001). HEI scores significantly improved over time for schools (p < 0.001), including an increase in whole grains from less than 1 point in 2003–2004 to 7 out of 10 points in 2017–2018. In 2017–2018, schools received the maximum score for total fruits, whole fruits, and dairy. Continued research on strategies for improving the quality of foods consumed from restaurants and stores is warranted.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2952
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
Vipra Vanage ◽  
Norton Holschuh ◽  
Anne Hermetet Agler ◽  
...  

This study examined differences in dietary intake between ready-to-eat cereal eaters and non-eaters in adults from the United States. Participants (n = 5163) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 were included. One-day dietary recall was used to define ready-to-eat cereal consumption status and estimate dietary intake in eaters and non-eaters. Data from Food Patterns Equivalent Database 2015–2016 were used to compare intakes of food groups by consumption status. Diet quality was assessed by Healthy Eating Index 2015. Nineteen percent of US adults were ready-to-eat cereal eaters; they had a similar level of energy intake as non-eaters, but they had significantly higher intake of dietary fiber, and several vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. They were also more likely to meet nutrient recommendations. Compared to non-eaters, ready-to-eat cereal eaters had the same level of added sugar intake but they had significantly higher intake of whole grains, total fruits, and dairy products. The diet quality of ready-to-eat cereal eaters was significantly higher than that of non-eaters. The study supports that ready-to-eat cereal eaters have better dietary intake with a healthier dietary pattern than non-eaters in the United States.


Author(s):  
Reneé A. Zucchero

The population of older adults within the United States is growing rapidly, which calls for increased understanding of that population. However, ageism is pervasive and one of the most engrained forms of prejudice. Intergenerational service-learning may be one way to reduce negative stereotypes and ageism. The Co-Mentoring Project is an intergenerational service-learning project that matches undergraduate students and vital older adult volunteers. Students meet with their partners at least four times over the course of the semester to conduct a life review and gather information to begin the older adults' memoirs. This chapter provides a rationale for intergenerational service-learning and information about its theoretical underpinnings. The chapter also offers information about service-learning best practices, including structured reflection, and how the Project's methodology is consistent with them. The multi-modal assessment conducted for the Project and its outcomes are discussed. Finally, directions for future research are described.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14

Abstract Background: Research has documented many geographic inequities in health. Research has also documented that the way one thinks about health and quality of life (QOL) affects one’s experience of health, treatment, and one’s ability to cope with health problems. Purpose: We examined United-States (US) regional differences in QOL appraisal (i.e., the way one thinks about health and QOL), and whether resilience-appraisal relationships varied by region. Methods: Secondary analysis of 3,955 chronic-disease patients and caregivers assessed QOL appraisal via the QOL Appraisal Profile-v2 and resilience via the Centers for Disease Control Healthy Days Core Module. Covariates included individual-level and aggregate-level socioeconomic status (SES) characteristics. Zone improvement plan (ZIP) code was linked to publicly available indicators of income inequality, poverty, wealth, population density, and rurality. Multivariate and hierarchical residual modeling tested study hypotheses that there are regional differences in QOL appraisal and in the relationship between resilience and appraisal. Results: After sociodemographic adjustment, QOL appraisal patterns and the appraisal-resilience connection were virtually the same across regions. For resilience, sociodemographic variables explained 26 % of the variance; appraisal processes, an additional 17 %; and region and its interaction terms, just an additional 0.1 %. Conclusion: The study findings underscore a geographic universality across the contiguous US in how people think about QOL, and in the relationship between appraisal and resilience. Despite the recent prominence of divisive rhetoric suggesting vast regional differences in values, priorities, and experiences, our findings support the commonality of ways of thinking and responding to life challenges. These findings support the wide applicability of cognitive-based interventions to boost resilience. Keywords: appraisal; resilience; cognitive; quality of life; societal; geographic Abbreviations: MANOVA = Multivariate Analysis of Variance; PCA = principal components analysis; QOL = quality of life; SES = socioeconomic status; US = United States; ZIP = Zone Improvement Plan (postal code)


2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria F Montoya ◽  
Andre W Hite ◽  
Patricia Rohrbeck ◽  
Binky Bawa ◽  
Oladayo O Akinwolemiwa ◽  
...  

We explore the association between quality of diet and food security status among older persons. Cross-sectional survey of large national samples, from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988-1994 & 2001-2002), in the United States. A total of 5,039 and 2,040 men and women aged 60 and older, respectively. The dependent variable was the healthy eating index (HEI; 2000 and 2005) as a measure of diet quality. The independent variable of interest was food security status and was categorized as food secure, food insecurity receiving food stamps and food insecurity not receiving food stamps. In multivariate analyses, food insecure individuals not receiving food stamps had lower total HEI-2000 scores compared to food secure individuals (b=-3.91, SE=1.81, P=0.0310). Factors independently associated with high HEI (2000 or 2005) scores were female gender, being married, highly educated or wealthy, with very good/ excellent perceived health, or without functional limitations. Food secure individuals had better quality of diet than food insecure individuals. Among food insecure individuals, receiving food stamps was not associated with diet quality. Food insecure families with older individuals may need new methods of dissemination of food and nutrition programs – methods that yield positive and promising changes in the health status of this special population group.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document