NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDES AND FOOD PRACTICES OF INDEPENDENT ELDERLY LIVING IN SASKATOON
Date
1981
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to examine the relationship between nutrition knowledge, attitudes and food practices of independent elderly. A sample of 34 males and 76 females was selected from a randomly drawn list of 300 elderly living in Saskatoon, provided by the Senior Citizen's Provincial Council.
A questionnaire was developed and administered to the sample through personal interview. The questionnaire was designed to assess nutrition knowledge, attitudes toward nutrition and the frequency with which foods were selected from each of the four food groups. Information was also obtained on dietary patterns, shopping and cooking habits, health foods and dietary supplements and selected demographic characteristics. Data were collected from June, 1980 through August, 1980.
Results indicated nutrition knowledge of the sample was adequate and attitudes toward nutrition were positive. Nutrition knowledge and attitudes were not significantly (p>.05) related, although a positive association appeared to exist. Dietary intakes were rated as satisfactory for 48% of the sample and unsatisfactory for 52%. Intakes of fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals were frequently below recommended levels. Dietary intakes were not significantly (p>.05) related to nutrition knowledge or attitudes. However, observed trends indicated elderly consuming satisfactory diets achieved higher mean knowledge and attitude scores than elderly consuming unsatisfactory diets. Elderly using dietary supplements tended to consume unsatisfactory diets, although the relationship was not statistically significant (p>.05). Results also suggested elderly in the upper age categories, females, widows and elderly with limited incomes frequently consuming unsatisfactory diets.
This study appeared to support a relationship between nutrition knowledge, attitudes and food practices. Age, sex, marital status and income also appeared to be related to the dietary intakes of the elderly.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Home Economics