Diet quality among older adults: What the Index Associated with the Digital Food Guide and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised Reveal

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the Diet Quality Index-Digital Food Guide (DQI-DFG) to a more widely used measure in the literature: The Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R). A cross-sectional population- based study was conducted with 822 older adults (≥ 60 years) from the city of Campinas/ SP, Brazil. The BHEI-R resulted in a higher overall score compared to DQI-DFG (62.9 vs. 47.7). For the BHEI-R, mean scores increased with age and were worse among smokers and individuals with a higher level of schooling. Regarding the DQI-DFG scores, no significant associations with age, schooling or smoking were detected; however, scores were higher in higher income segments. The components with the worst scores were whole grains, sodium and milk (BHEI-R); fruits, whole grains, roots/tubers, milk, refined cereals and red meat/processed (DQI-DFG). Divergences were found in the global scores and components of the indicators, reflecting important methodological differences. Studies of this nature constitute an opportunity to increase awareness regarding indicators of particular aspects of diet.