Association Between Diet Knowledge and Quality of Diets in Southern Rural Elderly

Elderly (n = 1,539) aged 60 and older residing in rural counties of nine southeastern states who volunteered to participate in the study were interviewed. Information collected included socio-economic information, food intake by 24-hour recall for two non-consecutive days, and questions on diet knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Diet Knowledge Index (DKJ) was assessed from the average scores of individual knowledge of dietary fiber, cholesterol/fat, and food group servings. Number of servings of grains/cereals/ breads/pasta, milk/cheese, fruits, and vegetables was significantly higher for those with higher DKJ; intakes for many nutrients were greater, and quality of diets was superior for those with higher DKJ. Those with higher DKJ had higher education and income; and proportions of males, blacks and persons who lived alone decreased as DKJ increased. Nutrition education programs should target rural elders with low income and education and who live alone.