Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

894

Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Clinical Nutrition

Committee Chair

Ruth Williams-Hooker

Committee Member

Dianne Polly

Committee Member

Robin Roach

Abstract

As the elderly population continues to increase, there is an increased need for government funded meal programs. The elderly population is at high risk for malnutrition due to multiple risk factors. The purpose of this study was to determine if any correlation exists between dental health and nutrition risk factors for homebound seniors, who participate in Meals on Wheels programs. Fifty clients from MIFA Meals on Wheels participated by answering dental and nutrition questionnaires. A Pearson bivariate correlation test was used to assess for a correlation between dental and nutrition health. T-tests were used to assess for difference between males and females on dental and nutrition status. No significant difference was found (p = 0.066). Results indicate that data is trending toward significance. The findings could be used to increase awareness of poor dentition and nutrition in homebound senior citizens and the need for dental and nutritional support.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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