• Investigating Factors Affecting Elderly Nutritional Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Study
  • Somaye Pouy,1,* Latif Panahi,2
    1. Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
    2. Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.


  • Introduction: Introduction: Elderly is a natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented, but it can be maintained for elderly with proper nutrition principles throughout life. The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the improvement and enhancement of healthy eating behaviors in the elderly people in Rasht.
  • Methods: This is an analytical cross sectional study which was performed on 170 elderly people in Razi hospital of Rasht. The elderly were selected by simple random sampling, a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and questions about physical activity and nutritional behaviors. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistic such as Spearman and Fisher tests.
  • Results: Overall estimation of results showed that only attitude toward behavior (P = 0.002) and (r = 0.292 enabling factors) P = 0.001 and (r = 0/307 and intention to behave) P = 0.001 and (r = 0/301) were significantly associated with healthy eating behavior of the elderly. There was no significant correlation between abstract and concrete behavioral evaluation with healthy eating behavior of the elderly studied.
  • Conclusion: According to the results of this study, one of the most important factors in improving the nutrition of the elderly is increasing knowledge, intention and attitude. Therefore, the necessity of educational interventions for elderly nutrition with the aim of improving and modifying the diet is suggested.
  • Keywords: Elderly, Nutrition, Behavior.