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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #196481
Title: DIETARY PATTERNS OF OLDER ADULTS IDENTIFIED BY A DIETARY QUALITY SCREENING TOOL

Author
item BAILEY, REGAN - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV
item MITCHELL, DIANE - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV
item MILLER, CARLA - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV
item STILL, CHRIS - GEISENGER HLTH SYST, PA
item JENSEN, GORDON - VANDERBILT UNIV, NASHVILL
item Tucker, Katherine
item SMICIKLAS-WRIGHT, HELEN - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2006
Publication Date: 4/5/2006
Citation: Bailey, R.L., Mitchell, D.C., Miller, C.K., Still, C.D., Jensen, G.L., Tucker, K.L., Smiciklas-Wright, H. 2006. Dietary patterns of older adults identified by a dietary quality screening tool. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Conference. 87.LB397.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Dietary patterns (DP) have been associated with nutritional and health status of older adults. DP assessment is typically based on comprehensive dietary assessment methods (i.e. 24-h recall, FFQ), which are not intended for broad-based screening. We created a diet quality screener questionnaire (DQS) for older adults based on existing dietary pattern analysis data among a cohort of the Geisinger Rural Aging Study. The DQS was then completed by a new GRAS sample (n=208). The DQS has 35-items, mainly with categorical response options. This study reports the initial analysis of dietary pattern profiles assessed via the DQS. Principle components analysis of the DQS yielded 2 distinct response patterns (RP) based on scree plots and eigenvalues. RP1 was characterized by fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. RP2 was characterized by cakes, cookies, candy, alcohol, processed meats, ice cream and salty snacks. These findings are consistent with previous analysis within GRAS and other studies that have found "Western" and "prudent" dietary patterns. This analysis indicates the DQS can differentiate between healthy and unhealthy dietary habits, which may help identify older adults at nutrition risk.