Abstract:

Objective   To investigate diet behaviors of inpatients of different ages, and provide nutrition education, guidance and therapy for them. Methods   A questionnaire survey was conducted among 208 inpatients. According to age, inpatients were divided into three groups:  group 1 (≤44 years old), group 2 (45 to 59 years old), and group 3 (≥60 years old). Comparison was made in dietary intake among these groups, and then the acquired data was compared with the amount suggested by the balanced dietary pagoda. The data was processed by software SPSS11.5. Results   Inpatients of different ages had different diet behaviors. Females in group 3 paid more attention to self=health care and light diet, while females in group 1 preferred  snacks. Males in group 2 usually had a bigger appetite at supper. Inpatients who had inadequate intake of fruit, fish and shrimp, and milk account made  up a large proportion in each group. Only a few patients had inadequate intake of vegetables, poultry meat and grains. Conclusion   Inpatients of different ages have different diet habits. Guidance should be given for   many unreasonable diet behaviors exist.

Key words: Age; Inpatients; Diet behavior