J Korean Acad Nurs.  2014 Dec;44(6):708-716. 10.4040/jkan.2014.44.6.708.

Nutritional Status and Risk Factors for Malnutrition in Low-income Urban Elders

• Hyun HS
• Lee I

• KMID: 2129561
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2014.44.6.708

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of low-income urban elders by diversified ways, and to analyze the risk factors for malnutrition.
METHODS
The participants in this study were 183 low-income elders registered at a visiting healthcare facility in a public health center. Data were collected using anthropometric measurements, and a questionnaire survey. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, chi2-test, t-test, Fisher's exact test, multiple logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0.
RESULTS
Regarding the nutritional status of low-income elders as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), 10.4% of the elders were classified as malnourished; 57.4% as at high risk for malnutrition; and 32.2% as having normal nutrition levels. The main factors affecting malnutrition for low-income elders were loss of appetite (OR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.16~9.56) and difficulties in meal preparation (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.13~4.88).
CONCLUSION
In order to effectively improve nutrition in low-income urban elders, it is necessary to develop individual intervention strategies to manage factors that increase the risk of malnutrition and to use systematic approach strategies in local communities in terms of a nutrition support system.

Keyword

Low-income population; Elderly; Nutritional status; Malnutrition

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Depression/pathology
Female
Health Behavior
Health Status
Humans
Male
*Malnutrition
*Nutritional Status
Oral Health
Poverty
Questionnaires
Risk Factors
Severity of Illness Index
Urban Population

Figure

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  Figure 1 Conceptual framework of this study.

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