Nutritional status and functional ability of the elderly aged 60 to 90 years in the Mpigi district of central Uganda
Received 30 June 2004; accepted 25 July 2004.
Abstract
Objectives
This study assessed the
nutritional status of the elderly and their functional ability because
poor nutritional status in the elderly is associated with poor
functional
ability.
Methods
Anthropometric
measurements, demographic and socioeconomic data, dietary assessment by
a food frequency list, and activities of daily life data were collected
cross sectionally in 2002. Participants (n
= 100) were randomly selected and the response rate was
95.2%.
Results
The
overall prevalences of undernutrition were 33.3% based on body
mass index (<18.5 kg/m2) and 52% based on
mid-upper arm circumference (<24 cm). There was a large, significant
difference between prevalences of malnutrition by sex: 68% of
women were undernourished (body mass index < 18.5
kg/m2) compared with 32.4% of men. Dietary
assessment showed that intake of fish, cereals, vegetables, tubers, and
legumes was moderate (three to six times/wk). Evaluation of the ability
of elderly people to perform basic activities of daily living showed
that 33% of subjects were independent in all activities of daily
living, except for mobility and feeding. The relation between body mass
index and variables associated with functional ability were significant
with regard to mobility, continence, and feeding
(P <
0.05).
Conclusion
This study found that a
large percentage of older men and women are malnourished. This
influenced their daily activities, especially mobility and feeding. The
elderly need to be incorporated into health programs and
policy.
ABSTRACT