Indicators of nutritional risk in a rural elderly Hispanic and non-Hispanic white population: San Luis Valley Health and Aging study

Objective To describe the prevalence of nutritional risk factors among elde rly residents in a rural Hispanic and non-Hispanic white population. Design A geographically based survey of community-dwelling elderly adults. Subjects/setting From July 1993 to July 1995, all Hispanic persons older th an 65 years and an age-stratified, random sample of 69% of non-Hispanic whi te persons, from 2 Colorado counties, were invited to participate in a stud y of functional impairment and disability (81% responded). After exclusion of 184 respondents who required a surrogate respondent and 8 with missing d iet data, the study consisted of 1,006 subjects. Interviews included questi ons similar to the Nutrition Screening Initiative checklist, a 21-item food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometric measures. Statistical analyses performed Gender- and ethnicity-specific, age-adjusted prevalence for each risk factor was estimated by use of logistic regressio n. Results Hispanic participants were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to report inadequate intake of vegetables, problems with teeth or dentures tha t limited the kinds and amounts of food eaten, difficulty preparing meals, and lack of money needed to buy food. Hispanic women reported nutritional r isk factors more often than Hispanic men, although anthropometric markers i ndicated that Hispanic men may be at higher risk of nutritional deficiency. Applications/conclusions Hispanic men and women had a higher prevalence of nutritional risk factors than non Hispanic whites. Intervention programs ta rgeting rural, elderly Hispanics should aim to ensure that basic nutrition needs (access to food, help preparing meals, and adequate dental care) are being met. Community programs to increase activity levels and consumption o f nutrient-dense foods are recommended.