Anthropometric status and dietary habits of hospitalized older persons in two major hospitals in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Good nutritional status in the elderly benefits the individual and the society by decreasing cost of healthcare, promoting independency and improving physical functioning.

Objective: The study evaluated the anthropometric status and dietary habits of volunteer hospitalized older persons (65years and above) in two major hospitals in Abia state, Nigeria.

Methods: One hundred and nine male and female older persons consented and participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on their socioeconomic/demographic characteristics, living condition, dietary habits and health conditions. Anthropometric status was assessed by body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference  (MUAC),), waist circumference (WC) waisthip ratio (WHR and calf circumference (CC) using standard procedures of measurement and compared with recommended standards.

Results: There were 42 males and 63 females. Normal BMI was recorded in only 48.6% and the 51.4% with abnormal BMI comprised of 27.5%, 20.2% and 3.7% underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. Most had normal CC (80.7%), WC (69.7%) and WHR (54.1%). About half (51.4%) skipped meals while 48.6% did not skip any meal. Majority (78.6%) skipped meals sometimes, 16.1% did it always. The meals mostly skipped were lunch (50%) for the males and breakfast (46.4%) for the females. Reasons for skipping meals were formed habit (26.8%) and no appetite (23.2%). Some (60.6%) did not consume two/more servings of fruits daily while most (66.1%) consumed meat, fish or poultry daily. Majority took more than 3 cups of fluid daily.

Conclusion: There was malnutrition among the older persons. Majority had abnormal MUAC but some had normal BMI. Meal skipping was reported by many.

Keywords: Anthropometric status, dietary habit, older persons, malnutrition, hospitalized