Nutritional assessment of low-income elderly African-American population.

The purpose of this study was to perform a nutritional assessment of low-income, elderly African-American subjects, to develop appropriate nutritional intervention program suitable for their needs and taste to ensure maximum compliance. Twenty-three subjects (18 women and 5 men) aged 60 to 82 years participated in the study. A majority of the subjects had an income of $5,000 to $10,000/year and an education level below junior high school. Eighteen subjects had hypertension and eight of those also had diabetes mellitus. Weights ranged from 131 to 265 pounds, and blood cholesterol level varied from 200 to 288 mg/dL. Their diets were high in sodium and fat and low in fresh fruits and vegetables. Based on this preliminary information, we have developed an instrument to assess the nutritional knowledge of this low-income elderly African-American population and a nutrition education program. After 6 months, nutritional assessment will be performed again. This information will aid us in developing nutrition education modules for the low-income elderly African-American population in the United States.