High Prevalence of Undernutrition among Elderly People in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status of elderly is an important determinant of their health and quality of life. Elderly people are more vulnerable for nutritional insults as compared to adults. Undernutrition among elderly people is becoming significantly high regardless of the progress on health care system. This study was aimed to assess prevalence and associated factors of under nutrition among elderly people in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted. Two stage cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants. A total of 757 subjects were included in this study for nutritional status assessment. The predictive value of the variable to Undernutrition was identified by bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of undernutrition was approximately 21.9% in elderly people included in this study. Multiple analysis found that unable to read and write (AOR 2.7 95% CI (1.7-5.2)), being female (AOR 3.0 95% CI (1.6-5.4)), being older (AOR 38.1 95% CI (15.0-96.9)), being poor (AOR 1.8 95% CI (1.0-3.2)) and have poor dietary diversity score (AOR 3.7 95% CI (1.8-7.6)) are independently and negatively associated with nutritional status of elderly people. Conclusion and recommendation: This study indicated high prevalence of undernutrition among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia. Old age range, gender, educational status, dietary diversity score and wealth index were found to be the factors affecting under nutrition of elderly people. Nutrition intervention and educations focusing on very old and female elderly people in improving health care and dietary practice are highly recommended in this study area.