Food Education and Its Evaluation Based on the Association Analysis Between Disadvantaged Shoppers and Undernutrition

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24500843
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Applied health science
• Research Institution: Fukuyama University
• Principal Investigator: KIMURA Yasumi 福山大学, 生命工学部, 教授 (00552415)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): FUCHIGAMI Michiko 福山大学, 生命工学部, 教授 (60079241)
• Research Collaborator: KUWADA Hiroko 福山大学, 生命工学部, 助手 ; ITO Hinako 福山大学, 生命工学部, 助手
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 高齢者 / 低栄養 / 買い物弱者 / 介護予防 / 食料品アクセス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In a study of older women in a regional city (population ~470,000) in Japan, we found that intake of several essential nutrients for disadvantaged shoppers (those facing hindrances in shopping, such as long distances from grocery stores) was lower than that for non-disadvantaged shoppers. Protein and vitamin A intake were lower among women aged 60-69 years, and calcium intake was lower among women 70 and above. Based on our results, in cooperation with a local government agency, we developed learning materials for good cooking practices. These are used in a class on preventing undernutrition and enhancing preventive care. We also developed a book of simple, flavorful recipes that use foods commonly found in the home, and distributed it to local residents to educate them on nutrition. The book is highly popular and widely used. Additionally, our investigation on associations with respect to a health index found a strong correlation between disadvantaged shoppers and bodily pain.

Free Research Field

栄養疫学　公衆栄養学