Abstract
Aim
This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the nutritional risk (NR) and nutritional needs of newly enrolled Meals on Wheels (MOW) participants.
Subjects and methods
This cross-sectional study in a Midwest state assessed the NR and dietary intake frequencies (DIF) of 167 newly enrolled MOW participants ages 60 years and older using the Dietary Screening Tool.
Results
Participants were primarily female (62.9%) and enrolled in MOW during the winter (85%). Over half (53.9%) classified “at NR,” 43.7% “at possible NR,” and 2.4% “not at NR.” “Low” DIF of dairy, lean protein, and processed meat were detected. “Moderate” DIFs of vegetable, total and whole grains, whole fruit and juice, and added fats, sugars, and sweets were also found. Male participants experienced higher NR (p < 0.0005) and consumed lower fruit and vegetable DIFs (p < 0.030) than females. Lean protein DIFs were lower in the winter than in the summer (p = 0.04).
Conclusion
Early identification of NR and factors influencing NR can help community food programs better address OA nutrition concerns.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the United States Department of Agriculture NE-1439 multi-state project “Changing the Health Trajectory for Older Adults Through Effective Diet and Activity Modifications.”
Funding
This work was supported by the United States Department of Agriculture NE-1439 multi-state project “Changing the Health Trajectory for Older Adults Through Effective Diet and Activity Modifications.”
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Study protocol was reviewed by the Iowa State University Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects and classified as “exempt.”
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At the time of the study, Ms. Rudolph was a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University
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Rudolph, C.S., Francis, S.L. Nutritional risk and dietary intake among newly enrolled meals on wheels participants. J Public Health (Berl.) 30, 1633–1640 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01552-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01552-8