Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between chewing ability and nutritional intake status in the rural elderly. The subjects were 150 rural-dwelling elderly persons(68 males and 82 females) aged 65 years and over in Sungju-Gun, Kyunfsangpookdo. The respondents were interviewed using the questionnaires and measurments taken from a 24-hour recall method from February to April in 1998. Fifty-nine subjects(39.3%) were classified with normal chewing ability and sixty-four subjects(42.7%) could carry out all of the 10 ADL items by themselves. In addition, the group who were able to chew had more teeth and significantly higher ADL scores than the other group(p<0.01), whereas DMF value was significantly lower(p<0.001). The subjects with normal chewing ability also had higher of intakes of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, salt, potassium, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin than in the unable group(p<0.05). As far as daily food intakes were concerned, considerable differences were revealed in the levels of grain and products and vegetables consumed depending on chewing ability(p<0.001). The results of the stepwise and vegetables consumed depending on chewing ability daily living activities and health self-assessment(p<0.05) were the most significant factors for energy intake status.

• Keywords: elderly; chewing ability; nutritionial intakes status; rural community; daily