Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Poor Nutrition and Preparation of Educational Material

Abstract

Background and Objectives The 20th century witnessed an unprecedented transition from high birth and death rates to low fertility and mortality rates, resulting in increased longevity. This has resulted in an increase in the proportion of the aged, that is 60 years and above. The population of the elderly in India and Rajasthan is 8.5 per cent and 7.8 per cent of the total population. With improving life expectancy and thereby increase in the proportion of the aged population, there would be increase in the burden of chronic diseases and disabilities. Hence, the present study was taken up to shed some light on the challenges, limitations and gaps in nutrition and ageing research. The elderly population in Rajasthan (population by 60–80 plus years) is 6.7 per cent in urban and 7.8 per cent in rural areas (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 2005–06). Methods The baseline survey was done in Jaipur, covering the four-day care centres run by Social Welfare Department, GOR, Jaipur, and one urban slum. An equal number of male and female elderly were selected from the four centres (50 + 50) and similarly from the urban slum (50 + 50). Thus a total of 200 elderly formed the sample size. The baseline study includes an assessment of nutrition status (height, weight, BMI and dietary intake). Data/information on risk factors associated with poor nutrition was collected with the help of an oral questionnaire. Based on the results of the nutritional assessment and risk factors associated with poor nutrition, nutrition education packages were prepared. The content analysis was done by the subject-matter specialist, and the communication and visual area expert. The education material was pre-tested on a group of the elderly and necessary modifications were made. Results Personal information: 69 per cent of the elderly are in the age group between 60 to 70 years and 31 per cent in 71–80 years. About 51 per cent of the elderly are illiterate, 60 per cent of them utilise government health facilities and only 29 per cent of them reported doing some physical activity. Nutritional assessment: 61 per cent of the elderly females and 28 per cent of the males had a BMI less than 18.5, indicating a high prevalence of nutritional deficiency. Risk factors: 82 per cent of the elderly had some or the other risk factor and 23 per cent had more than one risk factor. Hypertension and heart disease ranked first and second among the five risk factors (diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, blood pressure and arthritis). The problem of diabetes and heart disease was reported to be in equal numbers among the elderly attending the day care centres and those from the urban slum. Interpretation and Conclusion The rising prevalence of chronic diseases in the ageing population is a substantial burden not only for health-care systems but also for social and family structures due to dependency. Since a majority of the health problems among the elderly are diet related and nutritionally dependent, appropriate and adequate nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of the elderly.