Dietary intake is compromised among elderly living in agricultural settlements

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate dietary intake among elderly living in agricultural settlements in comparison with a recent nutritional recommendation. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was carried out among elderly living in five agricultural settlements in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Participants were interviewed on socio-demographic information such as age, gender, marital status, smoking status, household income, education level and living status. Data on individual dietary intake were obtained through diet history method. Dietary intake data were analyzed using Nutritionist Pro software and compared to the recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for Malaysia version 2017. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 21. Findings A total of 413 participants (male 32.4 per cent and female 67.6 per cent) with the mean age of 69.4 ± 7.9 years participated in this study. Dietary intake results demonstrated that participants did not meet the Malaysian RNI for energy and most nutrients (p < 0.05). This study also found that energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, folate and iron intake were significantly higher in male than female (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, calcium and vitamin A intake were significantly higher in female than male (p < 0.05). Research limitations/implications Integrated nutrition education and health promotion programme with a multidisciplinary approach are essential to be designed and executed to improve dietary intake of the elderly, which can further lead to appropriate dietary practices and knowledge improvement related to healthy food choices. Factors associated with inadequate dietary intake and awareness on the importance of adequate nutrients intake among the elderly warrant further investigation. Originality/value This research is at the forefront, which indicated that the dietary intake of elderly individuals living in the agricultural settlement was inadequate in comparison to the latest recommendation. Strategies to improve their intakes need to be developed and implemented accordingly to improve nutritional status and prevent adverse effects to health.

Dietary nutrient intake study among older adults: baseline Malaysian pure study

“…This study shows a significant difference between genders in dietary nutrient intakes regarding carbohydrates, calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The male OA had a significantly higher carbohydrate intake than the female OA but the percentage of carbohydrate deficiency in males was higher (56.5%) than in females (52.5%). The patterns are similar to other studies conducted among the OA in Malaysia and China [ 9 , 12 , 13 ]. This study also found that the female consumed a significantly higher amount of calcium compared to the male OA and calcium deficiency was more prevalent among females (92.1%) than males (86.4%).…”

“…A previous study done in Malaysia has reported that the OA was nutritionally deficient for, in particular, vitamin E, vitamin B 1 , vitamin B 3 , vitamin B 9 , calcium, and zinc [12]. While another Malaysian study focusing on the OA living in agricultural settlements has found that most of this population does not meet the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B 2 [13]. Several studies have reported that gender, residency area (urban and rural), and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with nutrition intakes among the OA [9,10,12,13].…”

“…While another Malaysian study focusing on the OA living in agricultural settlements has found that most of this population does not meet the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B 2 [13]. Several studies have reported that gender, residency area (urban and rural), and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with nutrition intakes among the OA [9,10,12,13].…”

Development, Validation and Acceptability of a Newly Developed Nutrition Resource Kit for At-Risk and Malnourished Elderly in Health Clinics Setting

“…Despite lower global prevalence of malnutrition among elderly in the community compared to other settings, a higher prevalence was recorded in Malaysia. A range from 25.7% to 64.0% of Malaysian elderly living in the community have been classified as at-risk and malnourished (11)(12)(13)(14). This shows a call for action to tackle malnutrition issue, especially among Malaysian community living elderly, which should be done systematically, as no published intervention studies were identified in this setting.…”