Factors influencing malnutrition in Filipino elderly
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2020-0051
- Author:
Nancy A. Tandang
1
;
Reanne Len C. Arlan
1
;
Gerard C. Navarro
2
Author Information
1. Institute of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos
2. Institutional Shareholder Services, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Multinomial logistic regression, nutritional status, elderly
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2020;26(No.3):317-322
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The elderly population is susceptible to malnutrition due to the
physiological and functional changes caused by ageing. Hence, to prevent the
degenerative nutritional conditions of the elderly and improve their quality of life,
this study aimed to determine the influencing factors of malnutrition among Filipino
elderly. Methods: Anthropometric component data from the 8th National Nutrition
Survey (NNS) were utilised along with the nutritional status of Filipino elderly,
based on body mass index as the dependent variable and variables from the clinical
and health, dietary, and socioeconomic components of NNS as explanatory factors.
Multinomial logistic regression analysis was then performed in fitting models.
Results: High magnitude and severity of malnutrition were observed among
Filipino elderly – 20.2% were underweight and 24.8% were overweight. Significant
influencing factors in estimating an elderly’s odds of being underweight were the
elderly’s age group, presence of hypertension, presence of anaemia, and adequacy of
vitamin A intake. Whereas, significant influencing factors in estimating an elderly’s
odds of being overweight/obese included highest educational attainment, presence
of anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. Conclusion: Knowing
the influencing factors may help the elderly become more aware and conscious of
their health, as well as to promote nutrient intakes to prevent malnutrition that
can worsen their health conditions. Additionally, concerned institutions in the
country could use the findings of this study as one of the bases in strengthening
their approach and implementation or even provide relevant and timely policies and
programmes that address malnutrition in the elderly of this country.
- Full text:4.2020my0503.pdf
