Inadequate nutrient intakes among homebound elderly and their correlation with individual characteristics and health-related factors.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes among the homebound elderly and their correlation with individual characteristics and health-related factors remain poorly understood.


OBJECTIVE
We assessed the extent of inadequate dietary intakes of key nutrients among the homebound elderly by using the newly released dietary reference intakes and examined the associations of individual characteristics and health-related factors with low nutrient intakes.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional examination of data collected during the baseline assessment of a prospective study of nutrition and function among a randomly recruited sample of cognitively eligible recipients of home-delivered meals who completed a home visit and three 24-h dietary recalls (n = 345). Nutrient analysis was performed with the NUTRITION DATA SYSTEM software, and associations were identified through multiple regression models.


RESULTS
In multiple regression models, lower intakes of specific nutrients were associated with subjects who were women, who were black, who reported a low income and limited education, and who did not usually eat breakfast. On the basis of the estimated average requirement standard for nutrient inadequacy, the intake of >/= 6 nutrients was inadequate in 27% of subjects, of 3-5 nutrients in 40% of subjects, and of 1-2 nutrients in 29% of subjects. On the basis of the adequate intake standard, a less than adequate intake of calcium was reported by 96% of subjects and of vitamin D by 99% of subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that home-delivered meals programs should target specific subgroups of participants with interventions, such as a breakfast meal or more-nutrient-dense meals, tailored to increase nutrient intakes and reduce the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy.
Sharkey
Joseph R
JR
Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, NC, USA. jsharkey@srph.tamu.edu
Branch
Laurence G
LG
Zohoori
Namvar
N
Giuliani
Carol
C
Busby-Whitehead
Jan
J
Haines
Pamela S
PS
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D006304:Health Status; D018577:Homebound Persons; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D011446:Prospective Studies; D044469:Racial Groups; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires