Factors Influencing Underweight in Korean Elderly: Data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES Ⅷ-3), 2021. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
10.15715/kjhcom.2025.20.1.57
- Author:
Jin Ah PARK
1
Author Information
1. Professor, Howon University
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:
Health Communication
2025;20(1):57-65
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
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Abstract:
Purpose:: The purpose of this study was to identify the current status of underweight among elderly Koreans and to identify factors related to underweight among elderly.
Methods:: This study is a secondary analysis based on the raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for the years 2021. The subjects of the study were 1,723 people in 2021 aged 65 years and older. Analysis method was frequency analysis, complex samples Chi-square test, complex samples logistic regression analysis.
Results:: The results showed that the current status of underweight in the elderly in Korea was 3.4%, and the factors influencing underweight in the elderly were age, subjective health recognition, depressed for more than 2 weeks, current smoking, drinking frequency over the past 1 year, and energy level.
Conclusion:: Underweight in the elderly causes negative health problems, so it is necessary to identify the cause of underweight in each individual and apply an individual management program to manage it. In addition, it is necessary to participate in the relevant program and receive psychological counseling to manage the individual’s subjective health recognition, depression, and drinking/smoking, and a program for a lively life should be developed and applied to always have energy.
