Frequency and factors associated with malnutrition in older people: a community-based study in western Nepal

Background: We assessed the nutritional status and its correlates among older people residing in the western part of Nepal. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected rural municipalities (RM) of Dang district among 262 older residents by using a systematic random sampling technique. Nutritional status was assessed through the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) tool. Data on characteristics, nutritional status, and measurement were done by the researchers themselves. Results: Out of 262 respondents, 29.9% were malnourished and 40.4% were at risk of malnutrition. Age, educational status, marital status, monthly income, daily consumption of dairy products, consumption of beans and eggs, and consumption of meat, fish, or poultry products were significantly associated (p value < 0.05) with malnutrition. Similarly, consumption of beans and eggs was found to be significantly associated (p value < 0.05) with the risk of malnutrition among older people. Conclusion: Proper and adequate nutritious foods, especially those rich in protein, green vegetables, fruits, and eggs, are important for improving the nutritional status of older people in addition to other socio-demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle improvements. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.