Medication and dietary practices of independent living healthy African-American older persons.

摘要

The main objective of this study was to determine the dietary and medication practices of independent-living African-Americans aged 55 years and older [USA; date not given]. 41 women and 19 men completed a detailed in-home drug survey. A questionnaire was used to gather demographical information and a 3-day dietary record. Results indicated that on a daily basis, 17% of the respondents were taking 4 prescribed medications and 7% were taking 4 over-the-counter medications. In addition, on a daily basis, 7% of the respondents were taking 5 prescribed medications and 14% were taking 5 over-the-counter medications. Respondents with less than a high school education reported the total percentage of calories ingested from fat was 36%, at the P < 0.01 level, while respondents with a high school education or greater reported a 30% prevalence of indigestion. Also, a low caloric intake and a low dietary calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper intake were observed. These results suggest that the drugs often deplete these minerals.