J Nutr Health.  2023 Oct;56(5):510-522. 10.4163/jnh.2023.56.5.510.

The relationship between the prevalence of anemia and dietary intake among adults according to household types based on data from the 7th (2016–2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Kim HW
• Kim JM

• KMID: 2547716
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2023.56.5.510

Abstract

Purpose
In this study, data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018) were used to examine the relationship between the prevalence of anemia and dietary intake among adults according to household types.
Methods
Using data from a total of 10,646 subjects (4,428 men and 6,218 women), the general information, body measurements, results of biochemical examination, food and nutrient intake, and meal quality evaluation were analyzed according to the type of household.
Results
The prevalence of anemia was higher in men belonging to single-person households (SPH) than in those from multi-person households (MPH), while anemia prevalence was higher among the women in the MPH than in the SPH. The men in SPH had a lower total food intake of nuts, vegetables, fruits, fish, and seaweed than the men in MPH, and consumed higher quantities of milk, oil, and processed foods. The women from SPH had a lower intake of seaweed and a higher intake of milk than those belonging to the MPH. In addition, the men in SPH had a lower iron intake and iron intake per 1,000kcal than the men in MPH, lower iron intake through plant-based foods, and a lower iron intake ratio compared to the reference nutrient intake. The total Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) score was lower in both men and women in SPH than in those from the MPH. When analyzing the relationship between household type and anemia risk after correcting for the confusion variable, the risk of anemia in men in SPH increased compared to those belonging to the MPH. However, women showed no such significant correlation. There was no relationship between the total KHEI score and the risk of anemia by gender and household type.
Conclusion
In conclusion, since anemia in men belonging to SPH is a matter of concern, it is essential to develop guidelines for anemia-related nutrition education for men living alone.

Keyword

adults; anemia; dietary intake; households; Healthy Eating Index