Effect of Dysphagia on the Older Adults' Nutritional Status and Meal Pattern.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Dysphagia is a widespread clinical condition among older adults. Although known as a risk factor for nutritional status and dehydration, dysphagia also affects meal patterns. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dysphagia and undernutrition, as well as dietary consumption patterns in older adults. METHODS: 268 older adults (144 women, 124 men) were included in the study. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), dysphagia assessment (EAT-10), oral examination, and Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) were used for collecting data. Odds ratio and Chi square were used to compare independent variables in subjects with and without undernutrition as well as those who intake texture modified and non-texture modified diet. RESULTS: Mean age of the undernutrition and normal nutrition groups was 68.9 ± 6.1 and 68.8 ± 6.0 years, respectively. The undernutrition group's activities of daily living (ADL) were 19.7 ± 0.9, and the normal nutrition group was 19.8 ± 0.7. Older adults with dysphagia were 4.8 times more likely to experience undernutrition than older adults without dysphagia (95% CI = 1.75-13.13, P = .002). There was a statistically difference between the meal patterns among the dysphagic older adult group and the normal-swallowing older adults' group at the .05 level. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, dysphagia was associated with the nutritional status of older adults and dietary patterns. The study results suggested some recommendations for dental health personnel on oral care related to dietary consumption and dietary patterns in older adults.

Opinions of parents, teachers and school board members regarding healthy eating: a qualitative investigation of lay Thai people's perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and dental caries is increasing in Thai preschool children. Parents and teachers influence the diet of young children. OBJECTIVE: To inform on, and be aware of what foods and drinks the children have consumed MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present qualitative study investigated attitudes and practices among parents, school board members and teachers regarding preschool children's eating behaviors and regarding factors influencing children to purchase snacks and beverages. One hundred and fifty five persons took part in 14 focus group discussions. RESULTS: Regarding healthy eating in school, the participants were concerned only with the nutritional aspects of healthy eating and the specific foods eaten by the children. Factors influencing children 's food choices included children 's classmates, social factors, socioeconomic status, advertising, packaging, and marketing techniques. CONCLUSION: These results made parents, teachers, and school board members realize that their children faced problems regarding their diet and health, and need to seek out their own strategies about how to promote healthy eating among preschool children.