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Nutritional, psychosocial and physiological assessment of the elderly 60 years and above in Umudagu Mbieri Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Adequate nutrition and care is paramount for successful aging.
Objectives: The study was to determine the nutritional, psychosocial and physiological status of the elderly.
Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and eighty elderly (≥60) were randomly selected in Umudagu Mberi, Mbaitolu Local Government, Imo State. Structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-economic characteristics, dietary pattern, psychosocial and physiological status. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurement were obtained using standard methods. Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyze data.
Result: Digestive problem (8.2%) was the major eating problem among the elderly. Psychosocial conditions of the elderly indicate that 56.1% of the subjects cooked food by themselves, while nanny prepared food for 0.4% of the elderly. Most (62.1%) of the elderly received 5,000-10,000 from their children and relations per month, while 68.2% of the subjects spent 5,000 on food and 50.4% shopped by themselves. The mean body mass index of males (24.2 + 3.2kg/m2) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from that of the females (24.9 + 6.2kg/m2). The mean waist-hip ratio of males (0.88 + 0.06cm) was significantly higher (P < 0.005) than that of females (0.85 + 0.08cm). Sever systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 10.7% and 4.3% respectively. Majority (80.4%) ate three times daily while 18.6% skipped meals. Daily breakfast intake shows that 57.5% took beverage with bread, 45.4% took foo-foo for lunch while 60.4% took foo-foo and soup for dinner. Fifty-five percent of the elderly were on a therapeutic diet, 33.6% of the subjects were suffering from hypertension and 22.9% were diabetic, 56.8% visits hospital frequently.
Conclusion: There are different forms of malnutrition in the study area. The elderly needs support and care for successful aging
