Difference between Anorexia-related Weight Loss and Selected Socio-demographic Characteristics among Residents of Governmental Geriatric Care Homes: A multi-governorates Study

Abstract

Background: Appetite refers to the innate drive to eat food, which declines with aging. This condition is called anorexia of aging. Reduced appetite can result in malnutrition, which is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI). Aims of the study: To assess the differences between the anorexia of aging and selecting socio-demographic data among the elderly those residents in governmental geriatric care homes. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional design has been carried out in the governmental geriatric care homes in Iraq Middle Euphrates governorates. The period of the study started (1 October 2020 to 27June 2021). A non- probability (purposive) sample was selected to obtain representative and accurate data for the (100) elderly individuals, living in geriatric care homes. Data were collected through both self-report and interviews approaches. Beside the Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ), the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics sheets were included in the study tool and Statistical data analysis was performed using the IBM-Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) for Windows, version 24. Results: The study included 100 participants, more than half (65.0 %) of the study sample were males and (35%) were female with mean age (72) years old. the study findings indicate there are differences between anorexia of aging and age, marital status, BMI and smoking history. on differences between anorexia of aging and educational level. Conclusion: It has been concluded that older residents are at higher risk of anorexia associated with aging than the younger age, so they are more likely to suffer malnutrition and unintentional weight loss. Recommendations: The study recommended increasing interest and continuous follow-up to the nutritional status of the elderly, as well as the unmarried and smoker's elderly.