The Association Between Food and Nutrition Literacy and Health Outcomes in Hypertension Older Adults at Khung Taphao sub-district Mueang Uttaradit District Uttaradit Province.

Abstract

This research aimed to study the relationship between food and nutrition literacy and their health outcomes in elderly patients with high blood pressure. The research was designed as a descriptive study, utilizing food and nutrition literacy as a framework, and the study was conducted in the Khung Taphao Subdistrict of Mueang District in Uttaradit Province in Thailand. The sample participants, selected through systematic random sampling, consisted of 103 elderly individuals with hypertension. Data collection employed the use of body composition scans and questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings showed that a significant proportion (68%) of the participants demonstrated poor food and nutrition literacy, while the majority (89.3%) had inadequate sodium intake behavior. Overall and subcutaneous nutrition literacy was found to be related to positive sodium intake behaviors (p < .01). Furthermore, the analysis revealed a significant relationship between overall nutrition literacy and a positive body mass index (p < .05).

                Hence, healthcare professionals should promote optimal health outcomes and delay the onset of chronic complications, it is recommended that the elderly with hypertension undergo periodic monitoring of measurement of body composition and nutrition literacy. This will encourage them to recognize and prioritize the significance of nutritional self-care, ultimately enabling them to achieve their treatment goals.