This study was conducted to determine the effect of a community-based nutrition intervention program to improve dietary behaviors, nutrient intake, and nutritional status of elderly aged 60 years old and above in Barangay Biayon, Municipality of Sergio Osmeña Sr., Zamboanga del Norte. The number of participants at the start was 94, but the number of participants included in the final analysis was 71, all of whom participated in both the nutrition education program and the post-test. The survey consisted of general demographic items, dietary behaviors, nutrient intake assessment (24 hour recall method), and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The community-based nutrition intervention program lasted for four weeks. It included a basic education program, provided once a week. The result of pre-intervention showed that the dietary behavior scores significantly increased 1 week after the intervention. One month after the intervention, it was noted that there were no significant increase in the consumption of dishes rich in protein, carbohydrates, fruits and milk. The intake of energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fats of the respondents increased significantly 1 week after the intervention (p<.000). When the mean kilocalories prior to intervention were compared to 1 month after the intervention, the only significant increase were noted in the energy nutrient and carbohydrate. Based from the MNA, the nutritional status improved 3 months after the intervention with the p value of <.000. Three (3) respondents who were initially categorized as malnourished improved to at risk for malnutrition, and 18 out of 39 respondents who were at risk for malnutrition have improved to well-nourished status. These results indicate that the nutrition intervention program conducted in this study was effective in improving the dietary behavior, energy and macronutrient intakes, and nutritional status of elderly respondents in the said local community.

Keyword: Improve Dietary Behavior Nutritional Status of the Elderly