Determination of Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Malnutrition among the Elderly in Kiambu County

Abstract

Nutrition among the elderly persons is associated with the quality of life (QoL) and functional quality. Malnutrition is prevalent among the elderly who are a particularly vulnerable group. Studies show that up to half (6-48%) of elderly Africans in SSA are underweight. The percentage of older people at risk of malnutrition in most Kenyan Counties has increased to 29.6% from 20.1% in 2015 (Waudo et al., 2018). Kiambu County is one of the areas with a higher number of elderly people and one of the areas most affected by the malnutrition in this age group. This study sought to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among the elderly and its relationship with socioeconomic status, meals patterns and nutritional status. The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of malnutrition among the elderly, establish the relationship between socio demographic and socio-economic characteristics and malnutrition among the elderly, to assess the effect of dietary practices on malnutrition among the elderly and determine the risk factors associated with malnutrition among the elderly. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive design and the tools included Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool, tapes for measuring the Mid- Upper Arm Circumference and Calf Circumference, Weighing Scale and a dietary questionnaire. The study found that prevalence of malnutrition in the sample stands at 42%; 22% were at risk of malnutrition while 36% had normal nutrition status. Among the socio-demographic characteristics, gender (p=0.001) and education level (p=0.035) were significant. There was a significant relationship (p=0.000) between socio economic status and the nutrition status of the respondents. Skipping of meals (p=0.003) and number of meals (p=0.042) were significant in the dietary practices domain. Regression analysis showed that socio-economic status (p=0.000) was significant. This study revealed a 42.0% prevalence of malnutrition in the elderly. This was higher than most of similar studies reviewed and it indicates a public health problem that needs urgent attention. Overall, analysis showed that socio-economic status to the most important risk factor of malnutrition among the elderly. The lack of adequate income and reduced physical function to pursue employment meant that majority of the respondents were of low socio-economic status. The study therefore recommended that health policy makers should incorporate and include planning for the elderly as they have done with other vulnerable groups like children less than five years. Efforts should also be initiated to help the elderly to adopt healthy life style practices especially with regards to their food intake.