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Nutrient Intake and Food Habit of a Group of Urban Elderly People of Bangladesh

Ferdousi Yasmeen
Department of Nutrition and Bichemistry, NIPSOM, Dhaka

Badrun Nahar
Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A cross sectional study was carried out to investigate nutrient intake and food habit of a group of urban elderly in Bangladesh. The sample is consisted of 209 males and 206 females, aged 60+ to 80 years. The dietary intake was estimated using 24-hour recall method. The habitual pattern of food intake was examined using a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. The adequacy of the different nutrient intake was determined in comparison with recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Mean intakes of energy, protein, zinc, riboflavin and vitamin A were found below RDA in both sexes. About half of the participants failed to meet 50% of RDA for zinc, riboflavin and vitamin A, while the intake of fat, calcium, iron and vitamin C were above RDA. One third of the males (37%) and the females (35%) failed to meet 50% of RDA for vitamin C. A large portion of the males and females consumed pulses, green leafy vegetables regularly, but the consumption of pulses was only 25g/d and intake of green leafy vegetables (GLV) was 13g and 21g/d in males and females respectively. One-third of the participants drank milk regularly. Fish was more commonly eaten than meat. The present study suggests that the elderly people are at risk for poor nutritional status. A large scale national nutrition survey of the elderly is necessary.

Keywords: Elderly, Nutrient, Food habit, RDA

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-01-1999

End Date: 00-08-1999

Program Area: Quality and Nutrition

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

To assess the nutrient intake and food habit of a group of elderly people attending a geriatric centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Male and female elderly attending geriatric centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were the study population. For the purpose of the study, a person aged 60 and above was defined as elderly. All the elderly persons attending the centre were invited to participate in the study. Those who had been living in Dhaka city for at least five years, and were able to answer the questions independently and physically able to stand (in upright position) without any support were included in the study. The purpose of the study was explained to each of them and after getting their consent they were recruited into the study. A total of 415 elderly persons participated in the study of whom 209 were males and 206 females. Information was collected during every working day except Saturday from January to August, 1999. A questionnaire was developed to obtain relevant information on the socio-economic conditions, food habit and 24-hour dietary intake. The questionnaire was pre tested and modified on the basis of the test result before its use. Food consumption was assessed with the 24-hour dietary recall method. The participants were shown various standardized utensils such as serving plates, cups spoons and models of different foods to get the nearest possible approximation of serving sizes of the cooked food consumed. The serving weight of different food items was calculated from this information. A 7-day food frequency questionnaire on selected food items was used to obtain information on the habitual dietary pattern of each participant. Equivalent raw food weight was obtained by using a conversion table for Bangladeshi foods developed at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science (INFS), University of Dhaka. A programme package, based on Bangladeshi and Indian food composition developed at the INFS, was used to calculate the intake of nutrients from raw weight of food. The adequacy of the intake of different nutrients was determined with reference to RDA for each nutrient. Energy requirement was calculated by multiplying BMR with a factor 1.51 which was recommended for the elderly population. A statistical package for the social science (SPSS/PC) was used for the analysis of the results.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 16, December 2003; ISSN 1013-6037

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The mean intake of iron, calcium and vitamin C were adequate, but a substantial portion of males (37%) and females (35%) failed to meet the RDA for vitamin C. It reveals that intakes of cereals, roots and tubers are almost similar in both males and females. The elderly males consumed more meat, egg and milk than females. On the other hand, elderly females consumed more GLV and fruits than their male counterparts.

Knowledge Management: Journal