Characteristics of older adults and stages of change for dietary fat and fiber

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between demographic, self-rated health and nutrition characteristics of older adults and their stages of change (S/C) for fat and fiber. The S/C model describes readiness to change behavior. For any specific behavior, individuals may be at one of five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance. Subjects (n=409) were free-living adults, 60 to 74y, who were randomly selected from a rural tertiary care hospital database. Data were collected by mailed survey. More than 70% of the subjects were in S/C categories which indicate readiness to change fat and fiber intake (i.e. contemplation, preparation, action). The following variables accounted for significant (p=.01) variation in S/C for fat: selfrated health and nutrition knowledge, perceived importance of a lowfat diet, weight management status, and following a special diet (R²=27, F=6.07, df=23, p=.000, anova) Those accounting for significant variation in S/C for fiber were self-rated nutrition knowledge and having made a lasting dietary change in the past five years (R²=. 14, F=2.58, df=23, p=.000). Identifying factors associated with readiness to change may be used in planning dietary interventions and counseling strategies. Supported in part by the Howard Heinz Endowment.