Relationship between Appetite, Food Intake and Body Composition among Elderly Malays from an Urban Residential Area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Author:
Mohamad HA
;
Suzana S
;
Noor Ibrahim MS
;
Norshafarina S
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Activities of daily living, appetite, body composition, eating,Malaysia
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2010;16(3):339-348
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Loss of appetite, decrease in food intake and changes in body composition appear to be inter-related factors that can influence the well-being of older individuals.
Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the level of appetite, food intake and its relation to body composition and functional status among noninstitutionalised
elderly Malays in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The Council on
Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ), Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ), Bio-impedance Analysis (BIA) and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)
questionnaire and handgrip dynamometer were used to measure appetite, food intake, body composition and functional status respectively. A total of 112 subjects
(41.1% men and 58.9% women) participated with mean age being 66.0 ± 5.0 years for men and 66.3 ± 6.2 years for women. Prevalence of poor appetite was higher
in elderly women (72.3%) than in men (52.3%) (p<0.05). Pearson’s correlation test showed that CNAQ score correlated significantly with age (r=-0.255, p<0.01),
energy intake (r=0.272, p<0.01), IADL score (r=0.408, p<0.01) and handgrip strength (r=0.263, p<0.05). Energy intake correlated significantly with fat free mass (r=0.424, p<0.05), muscle mass (r=0.456, p<0.05) and total body water (r=0.403, p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that 27.0% of poor appetite could be
explained by advanced age, low energy intake and decreased functional status. In conclusion, the study showed that poor appetite was prevalent among the
subjects, especially women and this was influenced by aging, inadequate energy intake and decreased functional status.
- Full text:W020150713558240653731.pdf
