Protein Intake among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Influence of (Pre-) Motivational Determinants

Abstract

An adequate protein intake is important for healthy ageing, yet nearly 50% of Dutch community-dwelling older adults do not meet protein recommendations. This study explores protein intake in relation to eight behavioral determinants (I-Change model) among Dutch community-dwelling older adults. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from October 2019–October 2020. Protein intake was assessed by the Protein Screener 55+, indicating a high/low chance of a low protein intake (<1.0 g/kg body weight/day). The behavioral determinants of cognizance, knowledge, risk perception, perceived cues, attitude, social support, self-efficacy and intention were assessed by evaluating statements on a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 824 Dutch community-dwelling older adults were included, recruited via online newsletters, newspapers and by personal approach. Poisson regression was performed to calculate quartile-based prevalence ratios (PRs). Almost 40% of 824 respondents had a high chance of a low protein intake. Univariate analyses indicated that lower scores for all different behavioral determinants were associated with a higher chance of a low protein intake. Independent associations were observed for knowledge (Q4 OR = 0.71) and social support (Q4 OR = 0.71). Results of this study can be used in future interventions aiming to increase protein intake in which focus should lie on increasing knowledge and social support.