Associations between nutritional literacy and dietary diversity in elderly Chinese individuals with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study

Background: Dietary diversity is influenced by nutritional literacy. This study sought to investigate associations between nutritional literacy and dietary diversity among elderly Chinese individuals with chronic diseases and clarify how nutritional literacy affects dietary diversity.

Methods: Three communities in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province were chosen at random to assess nutritional literacy and diet status, which included 301 individuals over the age of 60 with chronic diseases.

Results: The elderly had a middle and lower level of nutritional literacy (n = 301,20.16±5.45). Dietary diversity scores (DDSs) and nutrition literacy showed a positive correlation (r = 0.366, P < 0.001). Higher DDSs were seen in those with greater education levels (OR = 2.15,95 %CI = 1.57∼2.94) and those with better awareness of diet and health (OR = 1.29,95 % CI = 1.02∼1.55).

Conclusions: The elderly face significant challenges in maintaining a reasonable nutritional intake over time and their nutritional literacy warrants attention.