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Health and Nutritional Beliefs and Practices among Rural Elderly Population: An Ethnographic Study in Western Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Borja Rivero-Jiménez

    (Department of Computer and Telematic Systems Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain)

  • David Conde-Caballero

    (Department of Nursign, School of Nursing and Occupational Therapy, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain)

  • Lorenzo Mariano-Juárez

    (Department of Nursign, School of Nursing and Occupational Therapy, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Demographic transition is causing an increasingly aged society, which has a significant impact on public health strategies. Increases in the size of the elderly cohort create a wider stratification and pose specific challenges. Nutrition and diet are one key issue. This study aims to describe food-related practices, beliefs, and representations of non-institutionalized older adults in rural communities in Extremadura (Western Spain). Method: The ethnographic-based fieldwork was conducted from January to July 2019. Empirical material was collected through different research relationships (semi-structured interviews and informal conversations) and direct observation in various locations in Extremadura―involving a variety of agents associated with different aspects of the nutritional process. Results: Data analysis revealed four major themes: (1) Limitations on choice and quality of food available; (2) food preferences and cooking methods; (3) the role of nostalgia in the construction of taste preferences; and (4) perceptions of what “healthy” food is and how respondents relate to the advice provided by health professionals. Conclusions: Nutritional choices among the group studied presented significant differences from medical advice―which was seen as a series of “bans” that did not carry enough authority to alter the symbolic value attached to their traditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Borja Rivero-Jiménez & David Conde-Caballero & Lorenzo Mariano-Juárez, 2020. "Health and Nutritional Beliefs and Practices among Rural Elderly Population: An Ethnographic Study in Western Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:16:p:5923-:d:399286
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pablo A. Cantero-Garlito & Pedro Moruno-Miralles & Juan Antonio Flores-Martos, 2020. "Mothers Who Take Care of Children with Disabilities in Rural Areas of a Spanish Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-13, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Miguel Madruga & Jorge Carlos-Vivas & María Mendoza-Muñoz & José Carmelo Adsuar & Lorenzo Mariano-Juárez & David Conde-Caballero, 2021. "Family Orchards and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Elderly. A Protocol for a Study in Las Hurdes (Spain) Based on an Ethnographic Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Jeronimo Luengo-Polo & David Conde-Caballero & Borja Rivero-Jiménez & Inmaculada Ballesteros-Yáñez & Carlos A. Castillo-Sarmiento & Lorenzo Mariano-Juárez, 2021. "Rationale and Methods of Evaluation for ACHO, A New Virtual Assistant to Improve Therapeutic Adherence in Rural Elderly Populations: A User-Driven Living Lab," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-11, July.
    3. Ying Li & Yiyang Pan & Yuan Chen & Pingyu Cui, 2021. "Important Dependency-Associated Community Resources among Elderly Individuals with a Low Level of Social Support in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-11, March.

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    1. Miguel Madruga & Jorge Carlos-Vivas & María Mendoza-Muñoz & José Carmelo Adsuar & Lorenzo Mariano-Juárez & David Conde-Caballero, 2021. "Family Orchards and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Elderly. A Protocol for a Study in Las Hurdes (Spain) Based on an Ethnographic Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-14, January.

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