Nutritional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Elderly in Rural Area in Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a global health problem especially in extremes of age. Elderly people are a fast-growing group that is at greater risk of malnutrition due to high prevalence of comorbidities and limited resources available for them. Elderly are more prone to negative effects of malnutrition on quality of life and health outcomes due to their vulnerable nature and this is often preventable. Aim: To assess the effect of nutritional status on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among community-dwelling elderly living i n a rural village in Dakahliya, Egypt. .Methods: A cross-sectional study. A random sample of 170 community-dwelling elderly living in Dakahliya. Demographic data were collected, and comprehensive geriatric assessment was done for each participant includin g history taking, clinical examination, psychological, mental and functional assessment. Assessment of nutritional status was done using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. HRQoL was measured using the Short-Form Health Survey-36 items (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: The present study showed that among the 170 participants; 45(26.5%) of them were malnourished, 69 (40.6%) were at risk of malnutrition and 56 (32.9%) were well nourished, and showed that HRQoL wa s significantly poorer in malnourished elderly (P ˂0.001). Conclusions: The high prevalence of malnutrition highlights the importance of regular screening of elderly at community settings. As improvement in HRQoL is a growing goal for the worldwide health care and the strong effect of nutritional status on HRQoL, nutritional screening and intervention are extremely important especially for elderly.

Nutritional status and its associated factors among elderly people in Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

“…Elderly people who have a piece of work from which they earn a livelihood can afford food items required in their daily lives and the fundamental needs for improved health. The finding is consistent with previous studies 21 30 32 34…”

“…A similar study in Nepal found that 45.7% of elderly persons were at risk of malnutrition, and 19.8% were malnourished 29. A study conducted among elderly community dwellers in Egypt revealed that 26.5% were malnourished and 40.6% were at risk of malnutrition 30. Another community-based study conducted among Ethiopian community dwellers indicated 15.7% were malnourished and 51.7% were at risk of malnutrition 11.…”

“… 29 A study conducted among elderly community dwellers in Egypt revealed that 26.5% were malnourished and 40.6% were at risk of malnutrition. 30 Another community-based study conducted among Ethiopian community dwellers indicated 15.7% were malnourished and 51.7% were at risk of malnutrition. 11 The results of the current investigation are roughly comparable and fall within the same range.…”

The Mini Nutritional Assessment tool’s applicability for the elderly in Ethiopia: validation study

“…In Africa, among community populations, the prevalence is reported to be 26.5% in Egypt ( Hamza et al, 2018 ), and 28.3% in Ethiopia ( Hailemariam, Singh & Fekadu, 2016 ). Given the elderly population’s increasing population size and risk of malnutrition; it is crucial to devise methods of early detection.…”

Prevalence of Malnutrition among Elderly People Living in a Rural Area of Nepal

“…7 There is an association between malnutrition and high rates of morbidity and mortality as well as increased health care expenditures. 8 - 10 Elderly population is more likely to be malnourished due to aging and associated problems. 11 , 12 …”