Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating behaviors and dietary quality of various aged adults. This study conducted through questionnaire and dietary survey by 24-hr recall to 850 adults residing in Samcheok. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the age in male and female, which included 20~29 yrs group (male n = 94, female n = 66), 30~49 yrs group (male n = 201, female n = 216), 50~64 yrs group (male n = 88, female n = 96), and >or = 65 yrs group (n = 46, female n = 43). In male, 20~29 yrs group had a larger proportion of subjects who skipped breakfast, lunch and dinner compared to other groups (p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.01). The daily food and energy intakes in > or = 50 yrs group were significantly lower than those of < 50 yrs. Protein and fat intakes of 20~29 yrs group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. But ND (Nutrient Density) of minerals as like calcium, iron and plant iron in 20~29 yrs group were significantly lower than those of other groups. The KDDS (Korean's Dietary Diversity Score) of 20~29 yrs group, 30~49 yrs group, 50~64 yrs group and > or = 65 yrs group in male were 4.1, 3.8, 3.7 and 3.5 respectively and there was significant difference (p < 0.001). In female, skipping breakfast and dinner were significantly higher in 20~29 yrs group than in other groups (p<0.001, p<0.001). And the use of nutrient supplementation was higher in 30~49 yrs group than that of other groups (p<0.05). The daily energy intakes was higher in 20~49 yrs group than that of >or = 65 yrs group. The ND (Nutrient Density) of animal protein, vitamins A and B1 in 20~29 yrs group were significantly lower than those of other groups. The KDDS of 20~29 yrs group, 30~49 yrs group, 50~64 yrs group and > or = 65 yrs group in female were 4.0, 3.9, 3.9 and 3.6 respectively and >or = 65 yrs group was significant lower than other groups. According to these results, >or = 65 yrs and 20~29 yrs group had more dietary habit problems and poor nutrition status than 30~64 yrs group. The results of this study revealed that nutritional management and education for adequate meals should be emphasized in adults and elderly.