1.Factors influencing malnutrition in Filipino elderly
Nancy A. Tandang ; Reanne Len C. Arlan ; Gerard C. Navarro
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2020;26(No.3):317-322
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			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. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            

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