Paweł Jagielski

Eating habits and risk of malnutrition among students of the University of the Third Age from Krakow and the poviat of Wieliczka

The problem of malnutrition prevalence is rarely evaluated among older people living in the home environment. The aim of the study is to assess eating habits and prevalence of malnutrition in a group of students of Universities of the Third Age (UTA) from Krakow and the poviat of Wieliczka. The study conducted in 2013 consisted of 77 people, whose average age was 67.16 ± 5.44 years, including 67 women and 10 men. The study involved 28 people from UTA in Krakow, and 49 of the selected UTA in the poviat of Wieliczka.

The risk assessment used a standardized mini nutritional assessment (MNA) scale, while the assessment of eating behaviour used a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). According to the MNA no one was diagnosed with malnutrition, while 10 respondents were at risk of malnutrition. These individuals had lower self-esteem of nutritional status and health, and, compared with the recommendations, consumed small amount of liquids during the day, which was associated with occurrence of mental stress or illness over the past three months.

According to the FFQ assessment, the majority of respondents implement proper eating habits. However, mistakes are made in respect of the low frequency of consumption of fish and milk and their products.

The aim of the study was to assess correlations between the consumption of selected non-alcoholic beverages and the prevalence of tooth erosion among adults visiting dental practices in Krakow. Dental erosion in group 124 people aged 18-55 was assessed using BEWE, while oral dryness with a mirror test. FFQ was used to assess fluid intake, supplemented with questions regarding oral hygiene and socio-demographic factors.Dental erosion, mostly mild, was found in 38.7% of participants. Dry mouth (second and third degree in a mirror test)concerned 16.1% of subjects. Dental erosion was significantly more common (p=0.01) among participants with dry mouth. More frequent consumption of sweetened beverages as well as 100% juices (fruit, vegetable) correlated with dental erosion. Overall consumption of such beverages and also milk, as well as daily fluid intake was significantly higher among subjects with dental erosion.

Incorrect behaviors regarding the quality and quantity of drinks may contribute to tooth erosion among adults.

Knowledge of adult inhabitants of Małopolska on nutritional fac tors in the development of color ectal cancer

Most cases of colorectal cancer are related to lifestyle, including eating habits. The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of the inhabitants of the Małopolskie Voivodeship regarding specific food ingredients and nutritional behaviors that are important in the development of colorectal cancer depending on selected socio-demographic factors, as well as the assessment of the nutritional status of the respondents.

The study was conducted among 144 adults, residents of Krakow and the village of Gródek nad Dunajcem. The analyzes included responses from 126 people (89 women and 36 men). The diagnostic survey method was used, while the research tool was the original questionnaire. The first part of the survey concerned selected nutritional behaviors of the studied group, while the second part assessed the knowledge of nutritional risk factors for colorectal cancer. In addition, data on lifestyle, socio-economic data and participation in screening tests for the diagnosis of the lower gastrointestinal tract in the year preceding the study were collected.

In the adopted assessment scale, the level of knowledge of the respondents differed significantly, taking into account the place of residence (p = 0.0363), where 41% of Krakow’s residents found it very good, while 43.8% of rural residents found it insufficient. People living in the city have almost three times greater chance of getting a higher level of knowledge than people living in the countryside. Also, the knowledge of the respondents who declared higher consumption of portions of fruit and vegetables was 2–3 times higher than those who consumed these products less frequently.

The level of knowledge on nutritional behaviors related to the development of colorectal cancer is insufficient among rural residents. People who demonstrate favorable nutritional behavior have greater knowledge about modifiable cancer risk factors.