Examining the role of depression in the Filipino elderly’s food preferences in prison setting: data from conjoint analysis and SEM

• Date: 27 March 2020
• Pages: 135-149
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-09-2019-0054
• Published date: 27 March 2020
• Author: Allan de Guzman,Sean Frances Barredo,Kim Rajah Caillan
• Subject Matter: Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Prisoner health,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice

Examining the role of depression in the

Filipino elderly’s food preferences in

prison setting: data from conjoint analysis

and SEM

Allan de Guzman, Sean Frances Barredo and Kim Rajah Caillan

Abstract

Purpose –Previous studies suggest that the care for elderly prisoners is a growing problem. The

emerging phenomenon such as the correctional ageing crisis is an urgent concern that needs to be

collectivelyand holistically addressed from a multi-sectoralperspective. In a developing country,like the

Philippines, where prisoncongestion is alarming, the need for more empirical investigations that probe

into the prison life and services is warranted to better inform penal policy and practice that would

improve health outcomes among incarcerated individuals. The purpose of this study is to examine the

extent to which depression among Filipino elderly prisoners shape their food choices.

Design/methodology/approach –A survey of 160 Filipinoelderly prisoners of age 60 and above from

October to November 2018 was conducted using a three-part research instrument, which consists of a

personal and nutrition-related checklist, 15-pointgeriatric depression scale and a set of cards that were

ranked andsorted through the balanced incompleteblock design.

Findings –Results of the survey were subjected to conjointanalysis and structural equation modeling using

the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 24. Interestingly, taste was the most considered attribute

(30.765%) while portion size (9.759%) is the least considered by the Filipino elderly prisoners. Notably,

depression has a significant positive effecton their food preferences in all attributes except portion size.

Research limitations/implications –This study was limited to two prison settings in the Philippines.

Considering the results from the conjoint analysis, strategies can be developed in designing an

individualized meal plan suitable for the needs of each elderly prisoner. Also, sizeable government

appropriations should be in place to ensure the nutritional quality offood served to aging Filipino prisoners.

Practical implications –Provisions for a pool of nutritionists working hand in hand with other health

memberswould guarantee a prison system that promotes the overallwell-being of each prisoner. Further,

this study can contributevaluable inputs in the menu cycle practice of prisons in the country.There may

be a need to prioritize the nutritionalaspect of these vulnerable and deprived groups so as to promote a

better quality of life among elderly prisoners. Also, other forms of psychosocial, physical and spiritual

healthactivities extended to elderly prisoners may preventdepressive symptoms.

Originality/value –Conjoint analysis is remarkably gaining prominence in not only the health-care

setting (Phillips et al., 2002; Ryan and Farrar, 2000) but also the field of nutrition. It holds a number of

uniqueand practical promises to prison settings.

Keywords Depression, Structural equation model, Conjoint analysis, Food prefer ences, Correctional ageing

Paper type Research paper

Introduction

While prisoners are deprived of their right to liberty (UN Human Rights Committee, 1992,

para. 3), they retain their right to health (Elger, 2008;Elger, 2011;Andorno et al.,2014).

Across the globe, there is a growing concern about the health, nutrition and well-being of

Allan de Guzman is based

at the College of Tourism

and Hospitality

Management, The

Graduate School and

Research Center for Social

Sciences and Education,

University of Santo Tomas,

Manila, Philippines.

Sean Frances Barredo and

Kim Rajah Caillan are both

based at the Department of

Nutrition and Dietetics,

College of Education,

University of Santo Tomas,

Manila, Philippines.

Received 30 September 2019

Revised 8 December 2019

8 January 2020

1 February 2020

15 February 2020

17 February 2020

Accepted 18 February 2020

This paper was funded by the

Research Center for Social

Sciences and Education,

University of Santo Tomas.

DOI 10.1108/IJPH-09-2019-0054 VOL. 16 NO. 2 2020, pp. 135-149, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1744-9200 jINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRISONER HEALTH jPAGE 135