Malnutrition in older adults on financial assistance in an urban Asian country: a mixed methods study. Issue 12 (6th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koo, Yu Xuan; Kang, Min Li; Auyong, Angie; Liau, Glen Zq; Hoe, Jeremy; Long, Melody; Koh, Aaron; Koh, Frederick; Liu, Rain; Koh, Gerald
• Is Part Of: Public health nutrition. Volume 17:Issue 12(2014)
• Page Start: 2834
• Page End: 2843
• Publication Date: 2013-09-06
• Subjects: Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition policy -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1017/S1368980013002413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-9800

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="abs1" sec-type="general"> <title>Objective</title> <p>The objectives of the present study were to assess the nutritional status, identify factors for malnutrition risk and evaluate barriers to adequate nutrition among recipients of the Public Assistance (PA) scheme for socio-economically disadvantaged Singaporeans.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs2" sec-type="general"> <title>Design</title> <p>Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed PA recipients' malnutrition risk using the DETERMINE Nutritional Health checklist and the full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), as well as their nutritional knowledge, co-morbidity burden, depression risk, instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADL and BADL), and awareness and utilization of available food services. In-depth interviews were also conducted on malnourished individuals (MNA score < 17) to understand barriers to adequate nutrition.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs3" sec-type="general"> <title>Setting</title> <p>Homes of community-living older adults and nursing homes of institutionalized older adults.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs4" sec-type="subjects"> <title>Subjects</title> <p>All PA recipients aged ≥55 years in Central Singapore District.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs5" sec-type="results"> <title>Results</title> <p>Four hundred and sixty-five of 511 (91·0 %) eligible PA recipients participated in the study. The prevalence of malnutrition in the study population was 2·8 %. However, 50·3 % were at risk of malnutrition. Among community-dwelling respondents, the risk of malnutrition was independently associated with age >75 years, currently unmarried, BADL impairment, depression risk and BMI < 19·0 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. Qualitative analysis revealed that financial, social and physical barriers and lack of knowledge were the main contributors to poor nutritional status. Only half were aware of subsidized food services and education increased interest in utilizing food services. Among nursing home respondents, those who were BADL impaired were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs6" sec-type="conclusion"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Among PA recipients, the prevalence of malnutrition is low but the risk of malnutrition is high. Education on adequate nutrition and food services are recommended.</p> </sec> </abstract>