The modification and field testing of the Institute of Nutrition Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly

Abstract

The Institute of Nutrition Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly (INQLS) was studied and then modified by the researcher. The new version was referred to as the modified INQLS. In the modified INQLS, nutritional quality of life is defined as the satisfactory intake and utilization of nutrients as influenced by social support, financial status, perceived health status (physical, mental and emotional), and physical well-being.

The modified INQLS was pretested in the Petersburg, Virginia area among participants in the Crater Area Agency on Aging program. Field testing of the final modified INQLS was done in Richmond, Virginia, and the New River Valley area of Virginia. Both sheltered and free-living individuals were field tested. In the study, there were 94 respondents (70 women, 24 men) between the ages of 65 and 102.

Statistical analyses of the scores from the modified INQLS included frequencies, correlational analysis, multiple regression equations, and ANOVA. No statistical significance were found between the Nutrition scale score and the independent variables of Socia-Economic score, Health and Well-Being scale score, Mobility scale score, Emotional scale score, Age, or Sex.