Nutritional Status and Functional Capacity of Elderly in Selected Communities in Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

Background: Elderly are vulnerable to malnutrition due to some age related factors. Continuous evaluation of these factors will help in reducing this risk.
Objective: The study assessed the nutritional status and functional capacity of elderly in selected communities in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Method: A cross-sectional study involving 450 elderly selected using multistage sampling techniques from four local government areas in Ibadan. Socio-demographic characteristic of the respondents was obtained using a semi-structured and interviewer administered questionnaire. Data on dietary intake was obtained using 24 hours dietary recall. Weight (kg) and height (m) measurement was done and Body Mass 2 Index {BMI (kg/m )} was calculated. Functional capacity was assessed using Bristol activity of daily living and Lawton and Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS. version 20.0
Results: More than half (56%) of the respondents were female, 62% had no formal education, 27% were petty trader and estimated monthly income of majority (36.4%) of the respondents was ₦1,000-₦5,000. 66.7% had normal BMI, 17.1% were underweight while 8.2% of the respondents were overweight. Intake of Energy and nutrients like Protein, Fibre, vitamin C and Calcium were below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) while Carbohydrate intake was above the RDA. 91.0% and 71.0% were functional independent in basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living respectively. Significant (p< 0.05) association was observed between the level of functional impairment and BMI of the respondents.
Conclusion: Functional capacity is a factor that is independently associated with nutritional status of elderly.