Paul D. Loprinzi, Ph.D., Ovuokerie Addoh, M.B.B.S., Joshua R. Mann, M.D., M.P.H.
Disability and Health Journal, Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2018, Pages 126-129
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2017.05.006
Background
Limited research has evaluated the relationship between dietary behavior and mortality among those with mobility limitations.
Objective
To examine the association between dietary behavior and mortality in a national sample of American adults with mobility limitations.
Methods
Data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were utilized. Participants were followed through 2011. Based on self-report, analyzed participants included those with mobility limitations (N = 1369). Dietary behavior was assessed from the alternate healthy eating index (AHEI).
Results
For the sample, 108,010 person-months occurred with an all-cause mortality rate of 2.07 per 1000 person-months. Dietary behavior was associated with reduced all-cause mortality risk when expressed both as a continuous variable and binary variable (i.e., meeting dietary guidelines). With regard to the latter, and after adjustments, those meeting dietary guidelines (vs. not) had a 40% reduced hazard of all-cause death (HR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38–0.97; P = 0.03).
Conclusion
Among adults with mobility limitations, and thus, who unable to engage in sufficient physical activity, dietary behavior may have survival benefits.