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Dietary Intake, Health Perception, and Health Practices of the Elderly in Selected Barangays of Bay, Laguna
Thesis Abstract:
The study assessed the health and nutritional status and the health perception and practices of the elderly (60 years old and over) in selected farm-and fishing-based barangays (village) of Bay, Laguna, Philippines.
The dietary intake was measured by the food weighing method. The anthropometric measurement and hemoglobin and hematocrit tests were obtained using laboratory tests. The health status, perception, and practices were acquired either through interviews or medical examinations. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Duncan's multiple range test, and t-test were used to analyze the relationships among the variables.
For 60-69-year-old respondents, the mean nutrient intake of males was 2,027 calories, and females, 1,804 calories. For those who were 70 years old and above, the mean nutrient intake of males was 1,650 calories, and females, 1,667 calories. The respondents met only the iron and niacin recommended daily allowances. The mean diet rating was 75.77 and 68.12 for farmers and fishermen, respectively.
Results showed that there was no significant relationship between diet rating, total calorie, and protein intake and the sociodemographic variables tested (e.g., age, sex, occupation). However, significant differences were noted among the farm- and fishing-based elderly's food intake for the following food groups: cheese and its by-products, beans, and vitamin C-rich foods.
Using the Food and Nutrition Research Institute's (FNRI) Weight for Height Table for Filipinos (25 years and above), the anthropometric measurements indicated that the elderly fell within the weight range recommended for their height. The body weight status showed that more females were underweight.
Blood samples for hemoglobin and hematocrit were taken. Hemoglobin values showed that the majority of the elderly were below the normal range. For hematocrit status, the majority of the farm-based males were slightly below the normal value. Hence, respondents in this study who were in the elderly group seemed to be in a relatively good health and nutritional status.