Korean J Community Nutr.  2015 Feb;20(1):30-40. 10.5720/kjcn.2015.20.1.30.

Socio-demographic Characteristics, Nutrient Intakes and Mental Health Status of Older Korean Adults depending on Household Food Security: Based on the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Yang YJ

• KMID: 2268602
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2015.20.1.30

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to investigate the associations of food security with socio-demographic characteristics, nutrient intakes and mental health status among older Korean adults.
METHODS
This study was conducted using data from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects were 4,451 adults aged 65~98 years. Food security was measured using a self-reported question on food sufficiency of subjects' household. Based on the answers, study subjects were classified into secure, mildly insecure, moderately insecure, and severely insecure groups. Dietary intake was estimated by 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient intake was assessed by dietary reference intakes (DRI). As for mental health status, the data on mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were used.
RESULTS
Rate of food insecurity in older adults was 14.3%. Old age, being female, low education, low income level, living alone, and discomfort in daily living were more related to food insecurity. Means of nutrient intakes were significantly different according to food security status. Intakes of calcium, potassium, and vitamin B2 were lower than recommended intakes in all groups. Consumption amounts of soy and soybean products, vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, vegetable oils, meats, eggs, seafood, and dairy products were lower in food insecure groups. Mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were higher in food insecure groups independent of the gender and income level.
CONCLUSIONS
These present findings suggested that food security is related to mental health as well as nutrition status in older Korean adults. A national system that include food and psychosocial support programs for the elderly should be considered in order to improve the overall health of older Korean adults.

Keyword

Food security; old adults; nutrient intake; mental health

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Agaricales
Aged
Calcium
Dairy Products
Depression
Education
Eggs
Family Characteristics*
Female
Food Supply*
Fruit
Humans
Korea
Meat
Mental Health*
Nutrition Surveys*
Nutritional Status
Ovum
Plant Oils
Potassium
Recommended Dietary Allowances
Riboflavin
Seafood
Soybeans
Suicide
Vegetables
Calcium
Plant Oils
Potassium
Riboflavin

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