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

To assess the relationship between nutrition literacy (NL) and physical function limitations among Chinese older adults. 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. 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). 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.