Association between nutrition literacy and physical function limitations among geriatric population in China

INTRODUCTION: To assess the relationship between nutrition literacy (NL) and physical function limitations among Chinese older adults. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional survey carried out in May–July 2023, in Bengbu, China. NL was evaluated through a twelve-item short-form NL scale. Physical function limitations were evaluated using the Katz Index of activities of daily living (ADL) and the Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess NL and ADL and IADL limitations via binary logistic regression. RESULTS: In the study, among 1348 participants, 17.4% had ADL limitations, and 33.8% had IADL limitations. NL was negatively associated with limitations in ADL (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99) and IADL (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.97). After stratification by education, Monthly income, and chronic diseases status, there was an association between high NL and a lower rate of ADL and IADL limitations in the group with Monthly income of 1000 yuan and less (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99 for ADL limitations; OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97 for IADL limitations) and with chronic diseases (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99 for ADL limitations; OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.97 for IADL limitations). In the group with education, there was a significant relationship between high NL and low rates of ADL limitations in primary education attainment or below (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99). However, associations were observed between the high NL and a lower risk of IADL limitations both the low (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97) and high education groups (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99). CONCLUSION: NL was negatively associated with physical function limitations in older adults, and the association varied by monthly income, education, and chronic disease status. Findings underscore that NL may be a promising intervention target to improve the physical function of older adults and interventions should be directed towards those with low levels of education and income, and chronic diseases.