Assessment of Nutritional Status and Disease Prevalence among Elderly Population in Elderly Homes in Kandy

Abstract

<strong><em></em></strong>A study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among elderly people in elderly homes in Kandy. A population of 105 elderly people (&gt;65 years), representing 7 elderly homes in Kandy was examined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool and an additional questionnaire. Skinfold thickness was measured using the Harpenden caliper and body fat was measured using a digital Fat Analyzer. According to the MNA tool 59.1% were at risk of being malnourished, 3.8% weres malnourished and 37.1% were normal. Based on BMI classification, 16.2% was under-weight, 55.2% was normal and 28.6% was over-weight. According to waist-to-hip ratio, 51.4% had a lower risk, 32.4% a moderate risk and 16.2% a higher risk for health problems while 41.9% of the population had hypertension, 13.3% had diabetes and 19.0% had airway obstructive disorders. Furthermore, 31.4% of the population was less active and 67.6% was moderately active. The daily mean energy intake (1945.6 kcal) of subjects was higher than the calculated energy requirement (1490.1 kcal). Among the variables studied BMI had a strong positive correlation with body fat mass (r=0.901, p&lt;0.0001) and skin fold thickness (biceps r=0.594, p=0.000; triceps r=0.538, p&lt;0.0001). Waist circumference also had a positive correlation with skinfold thickness (biceps, r=0.521, p&lt;0.0001; triceps, r=0.337, p&lt;0.01) and fat mass(r=0.645, p&lt;0.0001). Waist-to-hip ratio showed a positive correlation (r=0.322, p &lt;0.05) with biceps skinfold thickness. With waist-to- hip ratio &gt;0.95, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases was clearly high. Further studies are needed using data from other regions in the country to verify the above findings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tar.v21i3.3296 TAR 2010; 21(3): 229-237