A study on nutritional status and factors influencing nutritional status of geriatric population in selected rural areas of Kamrup district, Assam

Abstract

Background: Nutrition is an important factor contributing to health and functional ability. The effect of nutritional status on physical and psychological wellbeing is especially high in elderly. With the increasing longevity, nutrition status plays a significant role in the quality of life in the elderly. There was definite evidence that malnutrition was more common in geriatric population but it was underestimated in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Several studies had pointed out that physicians often overlook this problem and so fail to treat malnutrition in elderly patients [1].Aim: The aim of the study to assess nutritional status and their influencing factors among geriatric population in selected rural areas.Objectives1.To assess the nutritional status of geriatric population. 2.To identify the factors influencing the nutritional status of the geriatric population.Methodology: A community based cross sectional survey was conducted by using multi stage random sampling technique to select 350 number of elderly persons (60 years and above) from two Community Development Blocks of Kamrup district, Assam. The tool used for data collection was structured interview schedule that comprises of collection socio-demographic profile of the aged 60 years and above by using Pareek and Trivedi’s socio-economic (Rural) scale and addition of 10 items and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), a survey including questions on lifestyle, diet, etc., of the respondents, to evaluate their nutritional status. The technique adopted for data collection was interview, measurement of height, weight, mid arm circumference and calf circumference. Data gathered was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The findings of the study revealed that out of the total study subjects female (61.28%) outnumbered males (48.63%). Among females majority were widows, illiterate and unemployed. Highest number of respondents (62.57%) were in socio-economic class-IV. A significant proportion of elderly (82.86%) were under nourished. Through logistic regression analysis, it was observed that socio-economic class, marital status, occupation, income and family type had a varying impact on the nutritional status.Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrates an alarmingly higher prevalence of nutritional disorders in elderly people. So, there is an urgent need for improving the overall situation of the rural elderly people in the setting of detrimental socio-economic condition.