Dietary patterns and socioeconomic position in older adults from a food assistance program: a study of food consumption adequacy

Resumo

Background: The diet quality of older adults is directly linked to the socioeconomic aspects of society. Objective: To assess the adequacy of food group consumption according to older adults’ socioeconomic status. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with community-dwelling older adults. Food consumption was assessed using the 24-hour dietary recall on three non-consecutive days. The Multiple-Pass Method and a food quantification photo album were used to improve food report. The consumed foods were classified into eight food groups and converted into portions according to the Adapted Healthy Eating Index. Socioeconomic classification was determined according to the criteria of the Brazilian Association of Research Companies. The socioeconomic status classification ranges from A (highest) to E (lowest). Potential associations between the adequacy of food consumption based on the Adapted Healthy Eating Index recommendations and socioeconomic status were assessed. Results: Eighty-five individuals aged between 60 and 91 years (mean age: 71.4 ± 6.7 years) were part of the study. A positive association was found between the adequacy of consumption of the fruit and natural juice group and socioeconomic classes A-B1 (P = 0.05 and P = 0.014, respectively). Conclusions: Individuals of higher socioeconomic status presented higher adequacy of fruit and natural juice consumption.