Nutrition Equity Index for Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Fulay Aarohee, Dubowitz Tamara, Farsijani Samaneh, Freeland Kerri, Roberts Jimmie, Rosso Andrea, Houston Denise, Strotmeyer Elsa
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health
Hypothesis
The novel Nutrition Equity Index (NEI) will effectively measure the factors affecting healthy food access for older adults.
Conclusion
The study found that low and moderate nutrition equity were linked to lower dietary quality, but this association diminished when accounting for race.
Supporting Evidence
- The NEI combines data on food security, access, and physical limitations.
- Low and moderate nutrition equity were associated with lower dietary quality.
- The study will expand to include additional measures of food access and functional ability.
Takeaway
This study created a new way to measure how older people can get healthy food, showing that just having money isn't enough if there are other barriers.
Methodology
The study used multivariable linear regression to analyze data from older adults regarding food security, access, and physical limitations.
Limitations
The initial findings regarding nutrition equity may not fully account for all social and structural factors affecting dietary quality.
Participant Demographics
Participants included older Black and White adults from Pittsburgh, PA, and Memphis, TN, with a majority being women and Black.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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