A PREVALENCE STUDY ON MALNUTRITION AMONG ELDERLY PERSONS OF KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT IN TAMILNADU
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Under nutrition is still a major problem and elderly are highly vulnerable and are often neglected. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can arrest malnutrition at its incipient stage, so as to enable healthy and active ageing. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the burden of malnutrition and its associated factors among the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was done among 487 elderly (60 years and above) in randomly selected areas of Kancheepuram district in 2016. Data was collected using an interview based questionnaire and nutritional assessment using Mini Nutrition Assessment and depression using Geriatric Depression Scale – Short Form.RESULTS: About 47.4% were at risk of malnutrition and 2.9% were malnourished. The proportion of malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition increases significantly with increasing age, female gender, who were single, widow and widower, who had no formal education, financially dependent only on Old Age Pension Scheme, living alone, belonging to lower socio economic class and with co-morbid conditions. Logistic regression revealed that the risk of developing malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition is significantly higher with increasing age (OR 2.35, CI – 1.28 - 4.32), female gender (OR 2.58, CI – 1.61 - 4.14), Depression (OR 6.02, CI – 3.9 to 9.3), Lower socio economic status (OR 3.99, CI – 2.48 - 6.4), Tobacco abuse (OR 2.38, CI – 1.18 - 4.79) and Arthritis (OR 1.99, CI – 1.05 - 3.78).CONCLUSION:A comprehensive nutritional screening is needed for elderly in the primary health care setting through geriatric clinics and nutritional screening may be done as part of NCD (Non Communicable Disease) Programme. Nutritional support for the elderly could be provided through existing ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) centers.
Authors and Affiliations
Chitrasena S, Ramasubramaniam R.
Keywords
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