DIETARY HABITS, FOOD-INTAKE AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN THOSE WITH A HISTORY OF HANSENS-DISEASE IN KOREA

This study shows that the nutrition and health status of ex-leprosy pa tients in Korea was marginal. Their nutrient intakes were low, especia lly from micronutrients which were associated with food from animal so urces. Dietary quality was discriminated by food habits, such as skipp ing meals, irregularity of meals, food purchase and meal preparation. Dietary quality was best predicted by food habits followed by physical fitness and nutrition knowledge. Our subjects were nutrition-consciou s, but they did not have accurate information. These findings suggest that our study population needs nutrition education.