Effect of age, family status, and physical activity on selected dietary components of TAC pilots.

This study gathered dietary data on Tactical Air Command (TAC) pilots for descriptive and analytic purposes. One hundred eighteen TAC pilots from five bases were interviewed concerning their diet, age, family configuration, and exercise level. Dietary information was recorded using the PruCal 3-day dietary report form, while the remaining information was recorded on a personal interview form. Pilots were grouped according to age (three levels), family configuration (three levels), and exercise (three levels). The groups in each category were tested (analysis of variance) for differences in their intake of protein, carbohydrates, fat, alcohol, and caffeine, and for demographic differences. Differences between exercise groups were found for weight and carbohydrates consumed. Age group differences were seen in alcohol intake and fat consumption. Further findings suggest pilots do not have diets which meet dietary guidelines. There appears to be a need for nutrition education, dietary modification programs, and further study of the diets of TAC pilots.