Dietary patterns of the elderly: characteristics and association with socioeconomic aspects

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association between dietary patterns and the socioeconomic aspects of elderly patients registered with the Family Health Strategy in Viçosa, Minas Gerais. Method: A cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample was employed. To identify dietary patterns, dietary intake was assessed through a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) adapted for an elderly population. From the FFQ dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. After the identification of the dietary patterns, logistic regression was performed considering each different dietary pattern and the related socioeconomic variables. Results: The consumption of a Fat and sugar pattern was greater among women and lower in elderly persons who considered themselves as mixed race. The consumption of the Balanced pattern was also lower among mixed race, married individuals, with one to four years of schooling and from the CDE economic classes. The Fruit and fish pattern was less consumed by elderly persons with 1-4 years of schooling, while the opposite was observed among those with five years or more of study. But the consumption of a Leafy vegetables pattern was lower among those with five or more years of schooling. Conclusion: The evaluation of the consumption of dietary patterns and the establishment of a relationship with the socioeconomic aspects of the elderly helps to achieve a better understanding of risk and protective factors for health.