Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109400

Lisa R. Davis, MD¹, Nancy F. Weller, DrPH, BSN¹, Karen W. Cullen, DrPH, RD, LD², and Monika Jadhav, BS³. (1) Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 3701 Kirby, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77098, 713-798-3644, lrdavis@bcm.tmc.edu, (2) Pediatrics/Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor college of Medicine, 1100 Bates St, Houston, TX 77030, (3) Disease Control, UTHSC-Houston-School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler, Houston, TX 77030

Background: The nutritional needs of the homeless are complicated by chronic health problems -- diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolemia. Shelter food is reported as a barrier to the self-management of their health problems by some residents. The purpose of this study was to assess the fat, fiber, and fruit and vegetable intake of transitional living center residents, many of whom are chronically ill.

Methods: Block Rapid Food Screeners assessed fat and fruit/vegetable/fiber intake among 85 adults. Screener scores were used in prediction equations to calculate daily intake of total fat, saturated fat, percent energy from fat, fruit and vegetable servings, and dietary fiber. Three focus groups were conducted to explore short- and long-term eating patterns, attitudes toward shelter foods, and challenges among those with special dietary needs.

Results: Residents' daily intake of fruits/vegetables and fiber, respectively, was 4.3 servings and 17 gms. Thirty-six percent of total calories came from fat. Residents averaged 26 gms of saturated and 99 gms of total fat daily.

Conclusions. These residents almost met the minimum 2005 recommendation of 5-9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables (4.3 servings). Percent of energy from fat (36%) was slightly higher than the recommended 20-35%, but fiber intake (17gms) was lower than the recommendation (20-35 gms). Focus groups indicated that some families consumed fast foods from adjacent convenience stores in addition to shelter meals, possibly accounting for the higher fat intake. Additional data in the form of food diary and nutrient analyses of shelter menus are needed to understand these results.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe methodologies used to assess the nutrition of residents of a transitional living center.
• Discuss the results of the nutrition assessment(fat, fiber, fruit/vegetable intake) compared to the recommended dietary guidelines
• Discuss general themes identified in focus groups

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.