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Food choice and nutrient intake amongst homeless people
Author(s) -
Sprake E. F.,
Russell J. M.,
Barker M. E.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1111/jhn.12130
Subject(s) - medicine , micronutrient , meal , environmental health , food choice , thematic analysis , gerontology , nutrient , population , food science , qualitative research , social science , chemistry , organic chemistry , pathology , sociology
Background Homeless people in the UK and elsewhere have typically been found to consume a nutritionally inadequate diet. There is need for contemporary research to update our understanding within this field. The present study aimed to provide an insight into the nutrient intake and food choice of a sample of homeless adults. Methods In this mixed‐methods study, 24 homeless individuals accessing two charitable meal services in Sheffield, UK , participated in up to four 24‐h dietary recalls between A pril and A ugust 2012. Twelve individuals took part in a semi‐structured interview focusing on food choice. Results Energy intake was significantly lower than the e stimated a verage requirement. M edian intakes of vitamin A, zinc, magnesium, potassium and selenium were significantly lower than r eference n utrient i ntakes. Contributions of saturated fat and nonmilk extrinsic sugars to total energy intake were significantly higher, whereas dietary fibre was significantly lower, than population average intakes. Charitable meals made an important contribution to intakes of energy and most micronutrients. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed three major themes: food aspirations; constraints over food choice; and food representing survival. Conclusions The present study reveals risk of dietary inadequacies amongst homeless people alongside a lack of control over food choices. Charitable meal services are suggested as a vehicle for improving the dietary intake and nutritional health of homeless people.