| dc.description.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. | en_US |
