Factors Affecting Nutritional Status among Elders Attending Geriatric Clubs in Alexandria, Egypt

Factors Affecting Nutritional Status among Elders Attending Geriatric Clubs in Alexandria, Egypt

Hala K. Ibrahim1 , Heba M. El Kady2 and Doaa A. Elsayed1

Journal of American Science 2013;9(10) http://www.americanscience.org

Background

Good nutritional status throughout life helps prevent the development and progression of diseases and disabilities in later life, thereby significantly contributing to the quality of life.

Aim

The aim of the present work was to determine factors affecting nutritional status among elders attending elderly clubs in Alexandria.

Subjects and Methods

A cross-sectional study design was conducted in all elderly clubs in Alexandria. The sample size was determined to be 380 elders. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, physical activity pattern, smoking pattern, food purchase and preparation, knowledge of the elders regarding sound nutrition and balanced diet, patterns of eating practices and anthropometric measurements. The dietary intake was determined using 24 hour recall method.

Results

The study revealed that the problem of overweight and obesity was prevalent especially among the females. The highest percentage of elders who attained 100% intake satisfaction and more of RDAs for energy had no chronic diseases (51.3%), were not using medications (51.2%), had dental problems (44.8%), did not practice exercise (48.9%), used to watch TV for 4 > 8 hours (50.6%), were non smokers (44.7%) and had good or very good dietary knowledge (79.3%).

Conclusion

Almost half of the elderly have poor dietary knowledge. The dietary pattern of the elders is far from being satisfactory. The problem of overweight and obesity is highly prevalent among the elders in Alexandria. Recommendations: It is recommended to establish comprehensive nutrition educational programs in the elderly clubs. Mass media should include information about healthy balanced diets and hazards of obesity among the elders.

[Hala K. Ibrahim , Heba M. El Kady and Doaa A. Elsayed Factors Affecting Nutritional Status among Elders Attending Geriatric Clubs in Alexandria, Egypt .

J Am Sci 2013;9(10):183-192]. (ISSN: 1545- 1003).http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 24

Key words

Elderly, Food consumption patterns, Nutritional status, elderly clubs

http://www.jofamericanscience.org/journals/am-sci/am0910/024_20596am0910_183_192.pdf