1. Introduction Objectives Methods/Design Results Conclusion
Nutritional Status and Quality of Life of Older Persons in an
Urban Slum in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria
OGUNKUNLE Morenike O., OLAWOYIN Abimbola O.
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Ref.: 149/40
Introduction
Aging is often associated with a stage of life accompanied by illness and frailness, as well as various physiological, psychological, economic and social changes that may adversely affect nutritional status (Gorman, 2000), thereby making the older persons vulnerable to malnutrition (Andre et al, 2013).
Malnutrition has been reported as a major geriatric problem associated with poor health status and high mortality rate (Turconi, 2011). Malnutrition coupled with degenerative changes which often results into unintended weight loss and micronutrient deficiencies have been reported to have negative impacts on the functional status, psychological wellbeing and quality of life of older persons (Kostka et al, 2014).
Hence, the role of good nutrition in the process of aging cannot be overemphasized, as it averts malnutrition, prevents dietary deficiency to promote optimal functioning and good health-related quality of life (Amarantos et al., 2001) which is the key goal for health promotion in the elderly rather than mortality and morbidity(Drewnowski & Evans, 2001).
Objectives
The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and the quality of life of older persons residing in an urban slum in Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria
Methods/Design
The cross sectional study involved 379 respondents that were selected using multistage sampling technique.
Pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire consisting of 4 sections was used to collect information from the respondents.
Nutrient intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall while food pattern was assessed using a pretested food frequency questionnaire. Foods that were consumed daily or 4-6 times a week were categorized as “frequently consumed” while those consumed occasionally or less than three times a week were classified as “infrequently consumed”.
Body mass index (BMI) was determined using this formular: BMI = Weight (kg)/(Height in metres)² and values obtained were classified according to WHO reference standard.
World Health Organization Quality of Life Bref Questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref) was used to evaluate the quality of life of the respondents. Scores below the mean were categorized as poor quality of life while those equal and above the mean were classified as good quality of life.
Data were summarized using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation while Chi square test was used to evaluate the relationship and association between variables at p< 0.05.
Results
Conclusion
Macro and micronutrient intakes of the older persons did not meet recommendation and the overall quality of life score is above average. Nutrition education intervention should be put in place to encourage adequate intake diversity among food groups.
Selected References
Kostka J, Borowiak E and Kostka T(2014): Nutritional status and quality of life in different populations of older people in Poland. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 68: 1210–1215
Andre M.B., Dumavibhat N., Ngatu N.R., Eitoku E., Hirota R., and Suganuma N. (2013). Mini nutritional assessment and functional capacity in community-dwelling elderly in Rural Luozi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Geriatrics and Gerontology International.13(1):35–42
I acknowledge the support of Association of Commonwealth Universities Early Career Grant to attend this conference