Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

People with physical disabilities form the largest group among people with disabilities and have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, such as obesity, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis than non-disabled people. This study investigates the possible relationship between dietary intake and the occurrence of chronic diseases in people with physical disabilities. The health survey in 2013 recruited 1,014 people with disabilities in Chiayi County for routine health checks. In addition to anthropometric measurement and disease history records, blood samples were also taken to measure biomedical indicators. In 2019, 120 people with physical disabilities were further recruited for dietary assessment, using a 24-hour recall for nutrient intake analyses. The results of the 2013 health survey showed a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, with an especially high prevalence of overweight and obese individuals, hypertension, and osteoporosis for people with physical disabilities compared with other types of disabilities. The results of the dietary assessment in 2019 showed an inadequate in the relative intake of macronutrients in people with physical disabilities. The insufficient activity of people with physical disabilities may be the main cause of obesity. The assessment also showed low intake levels of micronutrients, such as vitamins E, B1, B2 and niacin, and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. The high intake of sodium and low intake of magnesium may relate to hypertension. The insufficient intake of calcium and magnesium may associate with the occurrence of osteoporosis.

Keywords: Physical disabilities, 24-hour recall, obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis, Taiwan