Assessment of Nutritional Status of Urban Elderly Women in Midnapore Town, Paschim Medinipur, India

Abstract

Introduction: A cross-sectional study has been conducted among 114 elderly women in Mitra Compound of Midnapore town, Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. All of the participants belong to 60-85 years of age. The objective of the study is to find out the nutritional status of urban elderly women and the factors influencing the nutritional status of the participants. Methods: Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and Waist Height Ratio (WHTR) have been used to evaluate the nutritional status of the participants. Results: Higher pre-obesity (39.5%) has been observed among the participants. Also, central obesity is found more among the participants according to WC (55.3%), WHR (56.1%), and WHTR (75.4%). Conclusion: In this study, MUAC shows a significant association with age group and educational status. No other associated factor has been found to influence the nutritional status of the participants. The alarming rate of pre-obesity indicates proper nutritional interventions have to be done in the future.