Food security of elderly in Khukot municipality Lamlukka district and in Na Mai Tambon administration Lardloomkaew district, Pathumthani province

Abstract

Introduction: Now Thailand becomes aging society, then, food security is another issue which should be concernedfor this aging society. The objectives of this study were to survey food security of the elderly inmunicipality and tambon administration, to compare the difference of food security in both groups, andto study the correlation between food security with health status and nutrition status of body mass indexin both groups.

Method: It was a cross sectional survey, which studied in 449 of Thai elderly who lived in Khukot municipality,Lamlukka district and 460 of Thai elderly lived in Namai tambon administration, Lardloomkaew district,Pathumthani province. Data were collected by questionnaire and the digital of body mass index and basalmetabolic rate measurement. Data were analyzed with 95% confidence.

Result: Food securities in both groups were almost at middle and high level. The differences were found in foodaccess and sufficiency, food security, and nutrition knowledge. No significant correlation were foundbetween food security and health status in both groups, but found correlation between basal metabolicrate and quantity of food consumption, and correlation between body mass index and food accessibility,food safety and all parts in both groups .

Discussion and Conclusion: Food security of the elderly in both areas were different except, quantity of food consumption was not different. No correlation between food security of the elderly with health status, but there werecorrelation with body mass index and basal metabolic rate.

Key words: Food security, Elderly, Health status, Body mass index, Municipality, Tambon administration