Nutritional assessment and factors associated with malnutrition among the elderly population of Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aimed at assessing the nutritional status among the elderly population and factors associated with malnutrition in the community setting in rural Nepal. Results Out of 339 participants, 24.8% (95% CI 20.21–29.30) fell into the normal nutritional status range; 49.6% (95% CI 44.29–54.91) were at risk for malnutrition while 24.8% (95% CI 20.21–29.30) were in the malnourished range, based on Mini Nutritional Assessment scores. Our findings revealed that belonging to a Dalit community, being unemployed, having experience of any form of mistreatment, lack of physical exercise, experiencing problems with concentration in past 30 days and taking medication for more than one co-morbidity was significantly associated with the malnutrition status of the elderly.

Keywords

• Elderly
• Malnutrition
• Nepal
• Physical activity
• Polypharmacy