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Health Information Source Patterns and Dietary Variety among Older Adults Living in Rural Japan

Author

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  • Kumi Morishita-Suzuki

    (Sendai Center for Dementia Care Research and Training, Miyagi 989-3201, Japan)

  • Shuichiro Watanabe

    (Graduate School of Gerontology, J. F. Oberlin University, Tokyo 194-0213, Japan)

Abstract

Dietary variety is associated with some health outcomes among older adults. Rural areas, however, often have difficulty accessing health information that influences dietary variety. This study aimed to identify patterns of health information sources by using latent class analysis and assess their association with dietary variety among older adults aged ≥ 75 in rural Japan (n = 411). Three patterns of health information sources were identified: multi-sources (29.7%), television-only (53.5%), and non-sources (16.8%). In the multi-sources pattern, more people used television, radio, and newspapers. The television-only pattern had mostly television users, with fewer other sources. The non-sources pattern had many reporting “none.” Logistic regression analysis revealed that the multi-sources pattern has a significant positive effect on dietary variety compared with the non-sources pattern (odds ratio: 5.434, 95% confidence interval: 1.792–16.472), even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and physical health status. These findings underscore the positive impact of broad access to health information on the dietary habits of older individuals. The study highlights the importance of promoting access to diverse health information sources to enhance dietary variety and overall well-being among rural older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Kumi Morishita-Suzuki & Shuichiro Watanabe, 2024. "Health Information Source Patterns and Dietary Variety among Older Adults Living in Rural Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:865-:d:1427108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nida Buawangpong & Wachiranun Sirikul & Chanya Anukhro & Mathuramat Seesen & Aroon La-up & Penprapa Siviroj, 2022. "Health Information Sources Influencing Health Literacy in Different Social Contexts across Age Groups in Northern Thailand Citizens," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-19, May.
    2. Chengbo Li & Mengyao Liu & Jin Zhou & Mei Zhang & Huanchang Liu & Yuting Wu & Hui Li & George W. Leeson & Tingting Deng, 2022. "Do Health Information Sources Influence Health Literacy among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Urban Areas of Western China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-19, October.
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