Author(s):
Ninu Sophia, Anu Jacob Kachappillil, Ashitha Jose, Bibiya P Reji, Bincy Varghese, Bini Saju, Blessymol Chacko
Email(s):
ninusophia@gmail.com
DOI:
10.5958/2349-2996.2019.00114.9 
Address:
Ninu Sophia1*, Anu Jacob Kachappillil2, Ashitha Jose3, Bibiya P Reji3, Bincy Varghese3, Bini Saju3, Blessymol Chacko3
1Assistant Professor, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church College of Nursing, Kolenchery, Kerala, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, MOSC College of Nursing, Kolenchery.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 9,
Issue - 4,
Year - 2019
ABSTRACT:
Aim: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess Prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among elderly in rural areas of Ernakulam district, Kerala. Background: The world health organization has stated that aging population will present new challenges to health care. The health of the elderly will be an important issue defining the health status of a population. Malnutrition is a nutritional disorder that adversely affects the body from a functional or clinical perspective. It is very often observed in the elderly population. Methods: A Quantitative, Cross Sectional study was used to assess the prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition on a sample size of 200 elderly people aged 60-90 years in Aikkaranad Grama Panchayat, Ernakulam district. A non probability convenience sampling technique was used to select the samples for the study. The data was collected using Mini Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire and a Structured Risk Factor Analysis Questionnaire. Results: The study shows that majority (60.5%) of the subjects are at risk of malnutrition and 28% of the subjects are malnourished and remaining 11.5% has normal nutritional status. The study also revealed that there is an association between malnutrition and regular use of medicines(p<0.00), activities of daily living(p<0.00) and instrumental activities of daily living (p< 0.45). Conclusion: The study reveals that 60.5% elderly people were at risk of malnutrition, 28% are malnourished and only 11.5% have normal nutritional status. Study also shows that there was a significant association between nutritional status of elderly people and their regular use of medicines, activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Being health professionals we recognized the importance of awareness programmes regarding prevention and management of malnutrition to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition.
Cite this article:
Ninu Sophia, Anu Jacob Kachappillil, Ashitha Jose, Bibiya P Reji, Bincy Varghese, Bini Saju, Blessymol Chacko. Prevalence and Risk factors of Malnutrition among Elderly-A Cross Sectional Study. Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2019; 9(4):536-538. doi: 10.5958/2349-2996.2019.00114.9
Cite(Electronic):
Ninu Sophia, Anu Jacob Kachappillil, Ashitha Jose, Bibiya P Reji, Bincy Varghese, Bini Saju, Blessymol Chacko. Prevalence and Risk factors of Malnutrition among Elderly-A Cross Sectional Study. Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2019; 9(4):536-538. doi: 10.5958/2349-2996.2019.00114.9 Available on: https://ajner.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2019-9-4-16