Assessment of malnutrition among the internally - displaced old age people in the Tikrit City, Iraq

Abstract

Background: With the steady increase in the number of old age people, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the health expenditures, the importance of preventing malnutrition is becoming more critical than ever. This study aimed to assess malnutrition among the internally- displaced old age people in Iraq.
 Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between November 2016 and March 2017 at the Dream city camp for the internally - displaced persons in Tikrit city, Iraq. Data was collected using the valid (Arabic) version of the mini - nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) interviewed, and the nutritional status assessed via the MNA, body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumferences (MAC) and calf circumferences (CC) measures.
 Results: A total of 142 eligible old age persons, of which 40.2% were malnourished, and 35.2% were at risk of malnutrition. Among those with malnutrition, 40% were males, and 60% were females. Concerning comorbidity, 80% with positive malnutrition, had chronic diseases. DM reported a higher prevalence (46.5%) compared to other chronic diseases.
 Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition was high among the old age people resident at the displacement camp in Iraq. Both the deteriorating security situation and the lack of proper services have combined to exacerbate the nutritional status of older persons in displacement camps.

Malnutrition in older adults

“…38 There is also worrying evidence that older adults residing in regions with deteriorating security situations face high food insecurity. 41 The COVID-19 pandemic intensified food insecurity globally, with panic buying and food hoarding leading to price hikes and food shortages. 42,43 Older populations, particularly those with comorbidities or without social support systems, often could not access food supplies that were in shortage.…”

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Associated Factors Using Anthropometric Measurement and Selected Biochemical Parameters among Internally Displaced Individuals at Debark Refugee Camp, North Gondor, North West Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2022 GC

“…The potential reasons for higher prevalence of malnutrition among children were majorly being on crucial life period requiring quality full nutrient for body and mental growth, reduced adaptive response to hunger and unable to stand by themselves as an autonomous for their nutritional requirement and care [22,23]. Previous studies have also shown that IDPs and refugees were at high risk of developing malnutrition through recent devastated increment of man-made and natural disasters [24,25].…”

Impact of family structure and sociodemographic characteristics on parents headed families in Ramadi City, Iraq

“…The Iraqi family is distinguished by the number of its members and its close association with the restoration of society [1]. However, the rapid developments in technology, accelerated lifestyle changes, successive wars, displacement, malnutrition, unsafe drinking water, and poor medical and healthcare services Were existential challenges that led to the restructuring of the family entity, such as the early separation of children from the family and appearance of single-head families [2,3,4]. United Nations Development Program (UNDP) reported in 2013 that for every ten Iraqi families, one family is headed by the female gender [5].…”