DIETARY PATTERNS OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF BRAZILIAN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Introduction: During the aging process, older adults can suffer losses in their independence and need help from someone else: caregivers. Few studies deal with the eating habits of caregivers, especially those of dependent older adults. Objective: to identify the dietary pattern of caregivers of Brazilian older adults people registered in the Family Health Strategy. Methodological procedures: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, with 59 caregivers. A short food frequency questionnaire was used to assess food consumption. The patterns were identified through principal components analysis. Then the association between such patterns and the sociodemographic variables obtained was investigated, using the T-student test or the Kruskall-Wallis test, depending on the adherence to the normal distribution observed in each pattern. Results: Three dietary patterns were identified: “protective” (fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, olive oil); “fast food” (hamburgers/sausages, sweet processed foods, fatty meats); “popular” (carbohydrates, sweetened drinks, fats). The “protective” pattern was associated with sex (p=0.028) and physical activity (p=0.023). “Fast food” was associated with age group (p=0.049). “Popular” was associated with age group (p=0.022) and length of care (p=0.043). Conclusion: It is noted that the worst food consumption patterns (“fast-food” and “popular”) were associated with younger people, while the healthiest (“protective”) pattern was more associated with women.