Dietary and care practices and nutritional status of the elderly in Meru County, Kenya
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical and Health Research - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 6
Abstract
Background: Elderly persons may lose certain functional and physiological abilities leading to poor dietary practices hence social support is pertinent to prevent nutritional and health problems. There is inadequacy of information on the association among dietary and care practices on the nutritional status of the elderly persons living in the rural community. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary and care practices in and the nutritional status of the elderly in a rural set up in Meru County, Kenya. Methods: Cross sectional analytical study design was used. A sample size of 152 elderly persons was calculated using a formula by Fisher. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. Data was collected using researcher administered questionnaires which were validated using focus group discussion and observation check list. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software and Nutrisurvey computer package. Body Mass Index and mid upper arm circumference measurements were used to determine the nutritional status of the respondents using World Health Organization cut offs. Pearson correlation coefficient established the association among socioeconomic status, dietary intake and the nutritional status of the elderly. Results: The study population consisted of 58% females and 42% males. The mean age was 71 years. The mean energy intake was 69% for men and 72% for women of the RDA. Intakes of protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and folic acid did not meet the daily recommendations. Living alone was noted in more than a quarter (25.6%) of the elderly persons. Results show that 39.4% elderly persons were underweight, 50.7% were normal and 9.9% overweight and obese. Household income, energy, protein and calcium intake, meal frequency, living alone were significantly associated with nutritional status of the elderly. Conclusion: The dietary and care practices of the elderly were poor. Proper care of the elderly people can play a crucial role in enhancing their dietary practices hence better nutritional status. Strategies to improve the nutritional status of the elderly should target economic empowerment and behavior change and communication on care of the elderly to caregivers and the community at large.
Authors and Affiliations
Faith K Munoru, Elizabeth N Kuria, Dorcus Mbithe K
Keywords
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