JHSM
Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine

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Original Article
Food neophobia in the elderly: evaluation of constipation, malnutrition, and nutrition
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate food neophobia, constipation, malnutrition, and nutritional status in elderly individuals.
Methods: The study was conducted on individuals aged ?65 years selected by random sampling method and 406 individuals were reached. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic parameters (age, gender) of the participants. Anthropometric measurements were taken by researchers and then body-mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were determined by standard methods, and a validated Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) was used to determine the food neophobia levels of individuals. One-day food consumption of individuals was determined by the 24-hour retrospective reminder method. Constipation was defined according to the modified Rome IV criteria.
Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between food neophobia levels and BMI classifications of women, men, and all elderly individuals (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between the level of food neophobia and waist/height ratio in women, men, and all elderly individuals (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between food neophobia levels and the constipation status of women and all elderly individuals (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between food neophobia levels and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) classifications of women, men, and all elderly individuals (p<0.001). While there was no statistically significant difference between malnutrition groups according to energy, carbohydrate, fat, protein, and pulp levels (median) (p>0.05), there was a statistically significant difference between malnutrition groups of neutral and non-constipated elderly individuals only according to water consumption levels (median) (p<0.05). The water consumption level (median) of the elderly in the malnourished group was significantly lower than the water consumption level of the elderly in the risk of malnutrition and normal nutritional status groups.
Conclusion: Treatments for age-related conditions such as constipation, malnutrition, and undernutrition that focus on novel foods need to be carefully designed. The elderly should be a market segment that promotes healthy products, where new products can be introduced and purchased without concern.

Keywords : Food neophobia, elderly, constipation, malnutrition, nutrition

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Article available in :
Volume 8, Issue 1, 2025
Page : 10-17
https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1575219
Article Information
Received : 28 Eki 2024
Accepted : 14 Kas 2024
Published : 12 Oca 2025
Corresponding Author :

Hatice Baygut: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Baygut H. Food neophobia in the elderly: evaluation of constipation, malnutrition, and nutrition. J Health Sci Med. 2025;8(1):10-17.

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