Predictors of malnutrition among elderly people above 65 Years in East Ethiopia: Neglected public health concern

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Abstract Background A nutritional problem, especially under nutrition is one of the common public health problems in elderly causing greater mortality and economic loss in developing countries. However, evidences on the risk factors for increased nutritional risk among elderly is not well stated in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and predictors of malnutrition among elderly (> = 65 years) in Eastern Ethiopia.Methods Community based survey was conducted among randomly selected 592 elderly age above 65 years of age in Harari region selected using multistage sampling Pretested full Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to classify as malnourished (MNA score <17), at risk of malnutrition (MNA score of 17 to 23.5) and otherwise normal. Validated geriatric depression scale short form (15 items) was employed to screen for depression. Statistical tables, frequency, percentage and graphs. Ordinary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of malnutrition and plum method was used to generate odds ratio. Level of statistical significance was declared at P value less than 5%. Chi-square test, crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence was reported. Results A total of 592 respondents with response rate of 93.4% were interviewed. A total of 306 (51.7%) and 93 (15.7%) were found to be at risk of malnutrition and malnourished respectively. The predicted log odds of being malnourished was higher among those from rural residents (AOR = 2.08: 1.25-3.45), not on working (AOR = 1.31: 95% CI: 0.87-1.95) and did not have health insurance (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI; 0.97-2.58). Those with chronic pain (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.15-2.51), previous hospitalization (AOR = 1.59: 95% CI: 1.27-2.38) and not able to cover their personal expense (AOR =1.61: 95% CI: 1.12-2.30) were predictors of malnutrition. The relationship between previous hospitalizations with malnutrition among elderly is moderated significantly by the presence of chronic pain (β = 0.113, p = 0.015).Conclusions Malnutrition among old age is public health concern that needs attention. Economic vulnerability, residence, depression, presence of chronic disease and hospitalization were an important risk factors for malnutrition among old age.

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