Determinants of under nutrition among the elderly in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Abstract Background: The number of the elderly population is expected to become the largest demographic group. Malnutrition in older adults is related with complications and premature death. The progression to malnutrition is often insidious and often undetected. No study has been ever conducted or documented to explore the nutritional status of elderly in south Gondar Zone . Hence, this study was aimed to assess the determinants of under nutrition among the elderly people aged ≥65 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 15, 2020. A community based study was conducted in south Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 290 elderly aged greater or equal to 65 years of age selected by systematic random sampling technique were included in the study. Pretested and structured questionnaire adapted from different literature was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements; weight and height were measured following standard procedures. Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to assess nutritional status of elderly. Descriptive and summary statistics were employed. Multiple logistic regression was fitted to identify determinants of under nutrition. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were computed to determine the level of significance. Results: Based on their BMI status 27.57%, 95%CI (22.4-32.8) of elderly were underweight and 2.1%, 95% CI (0.7-3.8) were overweight. Likewise, 29.7%, 95%CI (24.5-35.2) of elderly were malnourished and 61.7%, 95% CI (55.5-67.2) were at risk of malnutrition based on Mini-Nutritional Assessment tool. Rural residence (AOR= 10.32, 95%CI (3.62-29.39)), unable to read and write (AOR = 3.54, 95%CI (1.64-7.64)), decline in food intake (AOR= 13.47, 95%CI (6.14-29.52)) and household monthly income <35.6USD (AOR = 4.32, 95%CI (1.97- 9.46)) were significantly and independently associated with under nutrition in elderly population.Conclusion: The prevalence of under nutrition among the elderly in the study area was high, and making it an important public health burden. Place of residence, educational status, food intake and household income were the determinants of under nutrition.