The nutritional status of community-dwelling elderly in Lesotho and factors associated with malnutrition

Abstract

Objective: The elderly living in Africa are prone to malnutrition which is complicated by the high prevalence of poverty. This study assessed the nutritional status of the elderly and factors associated with malnutrition. Method: In a cross-sectional survey, the nutritional status of 300 participants aged 65 years and older was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire consisting of 18 questions. Socio-demographic data was obtained using a questionnaire. Results: Sixty-six percent were at risk of malnutrition, while 14.6% (n = 44) were malnourished. Participants that did not use electricity as a fuel for cooking versus those that did, had higher odds of being malnourished/ at risk of malnutrition (OR = 1.85 [1.04; 3.31]). Those that did not experience psychological stress or acute disease versus those that did, had lower odds of being malnourished/at risk of malnutrition (OR = 0.33 [0.12; 0.90]). Participants that did not perceive nutritional problems versus those that did, had lower odds of being malnourished/at risk of malnutrition (OR = 0.18 [0.09; 0.34]). Similarly, those that did not perceive their health status as poor versus those that did, had lower odds of being malnourished/at risk of malnutrition (OR = 0.17 [0.08; 0.34]). Discussion: The findings indicate that the elderly with more resources, less stress, and better actual and perceived health were less likely to be malnourished. In such communities, routine screening in the elderly is required to identify those with compromised health and nutritional status.

Determinants of Nutritional Risk among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Social Support

“…Self-reported health status is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in older adults [50]. The association between poorer self-perceived health status and higher risk of malnutrition has been reported [51]. In the present investigation, a better self-perceived state of health decreased nutritional risk and malnutrition.…”

Nutritional Status among Portuguese and Turkish Older Adults Living in the Community: Relationships with Sociodemographic, Health and Anthropometric Characteristics

“…Thus, CVD may cause a lower subjective health status and psychological stress or depression [ 41 ]. A study with Portuguese older adults attending senior centers showed reports that both CVD and lower self-reported health status were associated with higher nutritional risk [ 18 ], and the association between poorer perceived health status and higher risk of malnutrition has also been reported elsewhere [ 42 ]. In addition, for individuals with CVD, the MNA score may be affected due to the recommendation to reduce the consumption of red meat [ 43 ] if not replaced by other protein sources.…”

Experiences of poverty amongst low‐income older adults living in a high‐income country: A qualitative study

“…Living in poverty negatively impacts cognitive and socioemotional processes commonly associated with healthy aging and it is considered a determining factor for social exclusion (Niedzwiedz et al, 2016) as it leads to inequalities and barriers to accessing public services (Price et al, 2018). Living in poverty has been associated with malnutrition (Dufe Turkson et al, 2022), greater functional limitation (Boggatz et al, 2010), higher mortality rates and an increased number and duration of hospital readmissions (Landon et al, 2023; Minhas et al, 2023). Living in poverty can also increase the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (Choi et al, 2020; Minhas et al, 2023; Mira et al, 2023) and antibiotic prescribing rates (Tarkhashvili, 2023).…”