A study on nutritional status of elderly and its correlates from urban field practice areas of SGRRIM&HS, Dehradun

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Original Article

Author Details : Megha Luthra, K S Negi, Puneet Ohri*

Volume : 5, Issue : 3, Year : 2018

Article Page : 202-207

https://doi.org/10.18231/2394-6776.2018.0046

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Abstract

Introduction: Number of elderly persons is rapidly increasing worldwide, mostly in developing countries. The elderly are at increased risk of nutritional inadequacy which, if detected in time, can be reversed. A comprehensive nutritional assessment tool called Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) has been confirmed to detect malnutrition in the elderly with reasonable accuracy.
Aims and Objectives: To detect the prevalence and correlates of malnutrition in the elderly.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in urban field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, SGRRIM&HS, Dehradun using a pre designed, pre tested questionnaire filled by trained health teams. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 23.
Result: Prevalence of malnutrition in elderly was found to be 32.2% which is significantly associated with changes in food intake and weight over past three months, mobility, neuropsychological problems, acute disease/psychological stress and BMI.
Conclusion: Malnutrition in the elderly can be managed with a multi-disciplinary approach that treats the pathology as well as uses social and dietary interventions.

Keywords: Nutritional status, Elderly, Mini nutritional assessment.

How to cite : Luthra M , Negi K S, Ohri P, A study on nutritional status of elderly and its correlates from urban field practice areas of SGRRIM&HS, Dehradun. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2018;5(3):202-207

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