ASSESSMENT OF MALNUTRITION AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF KEMARI, PAKISTAN
Main Article Content
Keywords
Elderly population, Nutritional status, Dietary habits, Rural health centers
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and contributing factors of malnutrition among the elderly population of Kemari visiting the rural health centers (RHC).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at RHC Kemari from 2019 to 2020. A total of 472 elderly population (60 years of age and older) were recruited through consecutive non-probability sampling. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool and Body Mass Index (BMI) were used to evaluate nutritional status. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and odds ratio computations using SPSS version 24 were all included in the statistical analysis. P-values less than 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.
Results: The results revealed that 46% of the 472 participants (63% male) were undernourished, and 41% were at risk. Malnutrition was substantially correlated with economic dependency, which was seen in 53% of cases (p=0.01). Poor nutritional outcomes were associated with 10% of cases of diabetes and 19% of cases of hypertension (p=0.00 and p=0.01, respectively).
Conclusion: The results show Community-based nutritional screening, targeted health education, and integrated dietary and socioeconomic interventions are urgently recommended to improve elderly health outcomes."
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Dr Samar Anwar Memon
Family Physician, Resident in Department of Family Medicine, Ziauddin University Karachi, Pakistan
Shabbier Ahmed Hafeez
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr Inayat Muhammad Shahroz
Consultant, HMCC Consulting, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Anum Khan Kasi
Senior Lecturer, College of Public Health, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan,
Dr Saelah Amin
General Medical Practitioner, Wah Cantt, Punjab, Pakistan
Dr Shazia Azhar
Associate Professor, Deputy Director, Baqai Institute of Medical Technology, Karachi, Pakistan