A cross-sectional study to assess the under-nutrition amongst the elderly population in a rural area of district Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Abstract

Ageing is a universal process. It is influenced by a person's genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Nutrition plays a significant role in modulation of ageing. In developing countries like India, the health and nutritional status of the elderly population is not satisfactory. The current study was done to assess undernutrition amongst the elderly population and to find the various associations with sociodemographic factors and social determinants. This cross-sectional study was done from February 2023 to July 2023 in rural area of District Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The elderly participants who were 60 years of age and more and who met the inclusion criteria were selected by simple random sampling technique for the study. Undernutrition was assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment Tool (MNA). Out of the total of 400 elderly persons, 18% were found to be undernourished and 38% were at risk of undernutrition. The association between undernutrition and age group, gender, occupation, family type, living arrangements that is staying with family or not, financial dependence, any co-morbid illness, smoking, and physical activity was found to be significant. The present findings reveal that undernutrition is not an uncommon problem in the elderly, and further studies are needed in this regard.