Nutritional practices among elderly Puerto Ricans: gender considerations

ABSTRACT

Four hundred and sixty six non-institutionalized seniors, 65 years of age and over comprise the sample. The questions pertaining to the specific topic are made up of 17 items: 9 related to ackground information and 8 relating to nutritional practices. It is part of a larger study of the sociodemographic characteristics of this population. Structured interviews were carried out from September 1984 to September 1985. The tests of significance were those of Kendall's Tau B and Cramer's V. The most statistically significant structural variables were those of education and income. Interestingly, those elderly utilizing food coupons had less complete meals than those not participating in the program. This has implications for social and public policy, and the enhancemente of nutrition education and intervention