Health and dietary patterns of the elderly in Botswana.
OBJECTIVE
To describe associations among socioeconomic conditions and dietary patterns of Botswana elderly.


METHODS
Secondary analysis from a cross-sectional nationwide survey.


METHODS
Subjects (N = 1086, 60-99 years old) were selected after multistage sampling.


METHODS
Dietary patterns were dependent variables; health and socioeconomic variables were independent variables.


METHODS
Factor analysis with varimax rotation; least squares regression.


RESULTS
The most widely consumed food items were tea (91%), sorghum (82%), and maize-meal (63%). Five dietary patterns emerged: beer; meat/fruit; vegetable/bread; seasonal produce; and milk/tea/candy patterns. Elderly women, those attending church, and those living with grandchildren were less associated with the Beer Pattern. The Vegetable and Bread Pattern was more common among grandparents living with children and those living in towns (urban). Widowed elders were less likely to consume meat/fruit (P < .005). Half had a large family size (6 to 10 children), with about 30% supporting 1 to 5 children.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary patterns suggested both food to be emphasized in nutrition education programs and those who may benefit most. Nutrition education efforts in Botswana should focus on improving food diversity, with particular targeting of widowed elderly and those in rural areas, and on increasing vegetable, fruit, meat, and milk intake.
Maruapula
Segametsi
S
University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
Chapman-Novakofski
Karen
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001902:Botswana; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012424:Rural Population; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population