Diet quality and associated factors in adult and elderly patients treated in a nutrition outpatient clinic in the city of Recife, Pernambuco

Abstract

Current food consumption, characterized by increased intake of high-density foods and low nutritional value can negatively influence nutritional status and the emergence of health problems. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet and associated factors in adult and elderly patients treated in a nutrition outpatient clinic. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May to October 2021 at the Nutrition Outpatient Unit of the Fernando Figueira Institute of Integral Medicine in Recife, Pernambuco. The information of the sociodemographic and economic profile, lifestyle, clinical variables, and nutritional status was collected at the time of nutritional consultation (first consultation and/or follow-up consultation). The evaluation of food consumption was performed through the analysis of the Diet Quality Index - Revised (DQI-R). The sample consisted of 102 patients, and there was a higher frequency of overweight/obesity and very high cardiovascular risk. Regarding DQI-R, 72.6% of the sample has a healthy diet. The follow-up time was positively correlated with the quality of the diet (ρ 0.199; p <0.045); and regarding fasting blood glucose, there was a negative correlation with the consumption of total cereals (ρ -0.229; p <0.050) and a positive correlation with the consumption of milk and derivatives (ρ 0.265; p <0.023). Regarding anthropometric variables, negative correlations with the consumption of whole grains and cereals was demonstrated. Food consumption is considered complex and requires the evaluation of factors that may interfere with it. Nutritional monitoring, modifying, and improving the quality of food, favors the adoption of a healthier lifestyle, which relates to the prevention and/or control of chronic non-communicable diseases and their complications.