Differences in nutrition knowledge of the elderly according to nutrition risk levels, levels of education, age and gender

The purpose of the study was to examine nutrition knowledge of elderly congregate meal site participants with particular interest directed towards nutrition risk levels and the demographic characteristics of education, age, and gender. The population utilized in this study were 120 elderly, both male and female, over the age of 60 years who attended ten congregate meal sites in Allen County, Indiana and who volunteered to participate. The researcher administered a 25 question nutrition knowledge survey and the 10 question Determine Your Nutritional Health Checklist at the meal sites. The study was designed to determine if there was a significant difference in nutrition knowledge among elderly at congregate meal sites who exhibit varying nutrition risk, education, and age levels and between elderly men and women. The conclusion was that there was a significant difference between nutrition knowledge of men and women with women scoring more correct answers on the survey. Although not shown statistically other preliminary findings suggest the need for further research; a greater proportion of females than males were in the lowest nutrition risk level; the 60-74 years olds had a higher nutrition knowledge average score than did the two older groups. Further, those with 9-11 years of education and in the lowest nutrition risk level (all females) had the highest nutrition knowledge score; and males with less than eight years of education had the lowest nutrition knowledge score and a preponderance of those were in the moderate or high risk level. The researcher also concluded that more nutrition education is needed for these participants, but it must be geared to their learning level to be effective.Department of Family and Consumer SciencesThesis (M.S.