Older women's perceptions of dairy foods

摘要

Focus group discussions were conducted with 24 educated, non-Hispanic white women (ages 65-89 years). Women were independently living and resided in retirement communities in Virginia. Discussion questions addressed preferences for milk products, advantages and disadvantages of milk products in the diet and ideas for product improvements. Discussions were audiotaped and written transcripts were made for use in data analysis in which predominant themes were identified. The women's perception was that milk products were high in fat. Most knew that milk products were a good source of calcium, but were unable to identify other main nutrients in milk products. The women discussed the benefits of calcium in relation to osteoporosis; however, many used calcium supplements. Physicians had a strong influence on milk product choices and supplement use.