Dietary habits of older adults: a comparison between two distinct regions of Brazil (Southern and Northeastern)

Objective: To identify the differences in the dietary habits of older adults from two cities of distinct regions of Brazil and to analyze the socio-demographic factors associated with adequate dietary habit. Method: Cross-sectional study, population-based household survey. A total of 793 persons (≥60 years) from southern and northeastern regions were evaluated. The dietary habits was obtained by daily consumption of milk, cheese or other dairy products; consumption of eggs, beans or pulses (once a week); consumption of meat, fish or poultry (3 times/week); consumption of vegetables, grains and fruits (4 times or more/week); number of glasses or cups of fluid ingested (>5 cups/day). The adequate dietary habit (principle category of analysis) were ranked when there was reference to the consumption of all the food groups. Results: Older adults from the southern region showed a greater consumption of most food group (except the consumption of eggs, beans or lentils) and rate of adequate dietary habits than older adults from the northeast. The Poisson regression models showed that the potential socio-demographic determinants of adequate dietary habits were younger subjects (southern) and higher schooling (in both municipalities). Discussion: These factors suggest the existence of a relationship between lower adequacy in dietary habits and poorer socioeconomic indicators. The sociodemographic inequalities in Brazil still affect dietary habits. Conclusion: Older adults from regions with better socio-demographic indicators are more likely to present a higher prevalence in consumption of the investigated food. Literacy stands out as a potential indicator of adequate dietary habits for older adults, regardless of the region investigated