IJCM_6A: Prevalence of Malnutrition and its associated factors among elderly population in rural field practice area of Madras Medical College- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In India the elderly population (>60years) is on a raising trend has more than tripled in last 50 years and the projections for 2031 is 178.59 million of total population. As the health of the elderly will be an important issue defining the health of the whole population, hence elderly malnutrition is on focus. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and factors associated with malnutrition among elderly population in rural field practice area of Madras Medical College. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November-2023 among 480 elderly participants selected by simple random sampling in Medavakkam area. This study was done by using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire that includes socio-demographic details and Mini Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire. Body Mass Index used to identify Obesity based on Asia Pacific BMI guidelines. Data was entered in MS-Excel and analysed using SPSS v16. Results: Among 480 participants,79.8% were in the age group of 60-70years,18.1% and 2.1% were in the age group of 71-80years and >80years respectively. Among them 53.1%were male. The prevalence of malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition were 7.7%(95%CI:5.5-10.5) and 39%(95%CI:34.6- 43.5) respectively which was assessed using MNA-questionnaire. Prevalence of obesity was 45.8%(95%CI:41.3-50.4) based on Asia-Pacific BMI guidelines. A significant association was found between malnutrition and older age groups, female gender, no formal education, kutcha house, widowed, unemployed and dependent financial status. Conclusion: According to this study, prevalence of malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition were lesser than previous studies done in rural South India, but the prevalence of Obesity found to be high (45.8%). Both undernutrition and over-nutrition are important health issues to be considered in elderly population. These problems can be solved through community level nutrition status screening of elderly and health education to the elderly and their families regarding balanced dietary practices and lifestyle modification, thereby enhancing their nutritional status and their quality of life.