RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to examine the joint effects of gender, ethnicity, seasonal variations and place of residence on nutrient intake among elderly residents of Southwestern Louisiana. Three hundred and fifty-one elderly subjects volunteered and completed all four interviews evenly spaced throughout the year. Multiple analysis of covariance and hierarchal log linear regression were used to examine the joint effects of the independent variables on nutrient intake of eight nutrients; calories, protein, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, riboflavin and thiamin. There were differences between males and females for the intake of calories, protein, iron and vitamin C. Over time, there were differences between rural and urban subjects. Rural subjects showed greater seasonal variability than urban subjects. In addition, the three ethnic groups showed different patterns of seasonal variability. When the nutrient intake data were dichotomized at 68% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances, we found that Blacks were more likely to report values below 68% of the RDA than were either Caucasian group. Also, males were more likely to report values below 68% of the RDA than were females. This study illustrates the need for assessing the effects of multiple factors on nutrient intakes. It also shows that there can be significant differences even between nominally similar ethnic groups. With the increased nutritional risk that the elderly face, further research is needed to clarify and extend these results.
