Dietary Intake and Associated Factors Among Elderly Persons Receiving Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) in Northern Uganda

Abstract

Background: The government of Uganda introduced a social assistance grant for empowerment (SAGE) programme specifically targeting elderly people with the aim of improving their livelihoods and nutrition. However, its contribution to nutrient intake is not known because the objective of this study was to determine dietary intake and associated factors among elderly individuals residing in rural areas of northern Uganda. Method: Using a cross-sectional survey design, 395 elderly individuals aged 65 years and above were sampled purposively. Validated Individual Dietary Diversity (IDDS) and 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires were used to obtain information on dietary quality and nutrient intake adequacy, respectively, as well as demographic characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results. Although the SAGE beneficiaries generally had an improved mean micronutrient intake adequacy ratio (MAR) of 0.61±0.21, there were no statistically significant differences between their MARs and those of the non-SAGE beneficiaries, i.e., 0.58±0.23. Generally, the mean IDDS of this studied population was 5.9±1.6 food groups out of 12 food groups. The consumption of only sugary and sweet foods differed significantly between SAGE beneficiaries and non-SAGE individuals (p<0.05). The results of the general linear model regression showed that only district (β = 0.108, p=0.009) significantly determined the MAR among non-SAGE beneficiaries, while income (β = -0.120, p=0.000) and household size (β = 0.078, p = 0.044) determined the MAR among SAGE beneficiaries. The Poisson regression results indicated that the marital status (β = -0.157, p=0.003), district (β = 0.129, p=0.009) and business status (β = -0.127, p=0.019) significantly determined the IDDS (DQ) of non-SAGE beneficiaries, while education (β = -0.082, p=0.030) determined the DQ among SAGE beneficiaries. Therefore, DQ and NIA do not significantly vary among SAGE and non-SAGE beneficiaries. Conclusion: Income above 200,000 Ugandan shillings and nutrition education could significantly improve nutrient intake among beneficiaries. The government of Uganda should therefore implement nutrition education during social gatherings, in local health centres and during SAGE distribution to cater to proper food choices, preparation and a good balanced diet.