Dietary intake and psychosocial factors in 68-year-old men. A population study.

In a representative sample of 621 men aged 68 years 500 (80.5%) participated in a dietary history interview, and in an interview where social network and social support characteristics, marital status, and social class were assessed. Also included was a questionnaire on alcohol consumption and smoking habits, as well as weight and height measurements and an assessment of the men's physical activities. The purpose was to describe dietary habits and to characterize men with inadequate habits according to different psychosocial characteristics. Average intake of energy and nutrients was, in general, well above the recommended. However, the variation was wide. According to the definition used, about 20% were considered to have "inadequate" dietary habits. No proportional differences in social class and marital status were found among these men. However, those with sufficient social network and social support fared better. Overweight, obesity, low physical activity and high alcohol consumption were more common among the men with inadequate diets. Low social anchorage, low physical activity and high body mass index were independent risk indicators of inadequate dietary habits in this population.