[Dietary pattern of Shanghai community-based middle and aged women]

To provide data for decision-making and community nutrition intervention for middle and aged women, the dietary patterns and nutritional status were investigated in Shanghai.

A stratified cluster random sampling dietary survey was performed for a sample (n = 596) of women aged 45 to 65 years old from 2 streets in Shanghai. Factor analysis was applied to define major dietary patterns by using dietary information collected from food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs), and to further examine associations between dietary patterns and main nutrients and demographic characteristics.

Four major dietary patterns were identified. The first pattern was characterized by higher intake of eggs, legumes and products, second pattern was characterized by higher of oil, sugar and condiments, the third pattern was characterized by a higher intake of dairy, vegetables and rice, while the fourth pattern was characterized by higher intake of fruits, beef and fish. Oil, sugar and condiments pattern associated with higher total energy and fat percentage of energy (P < 0.001), lower educated (P = 0.009) and lower household income (P = 0.008). A positively correlation was found between rice, vegetables, dairy pattern with calcium, protein and carbohydrates percentage of energy, and inversely correlated with BMI (P = 0.019), as well as energy and total fat. Fruit, meat and fish pattern was higher for the protein, vitamins B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. But no positive correlation was found between eggs and legumes and products pattern with nutrients intake or other sample characteristics.

Rice, vegetables and milk dietary pattern was associated with reduced risk of overweight and obesity.