Nutritional Status Among Elderly Residing in Longhouses at Kuching, Sarawak

Abstract

Background: Nutrition is a major aspect in healthcare. Poor nutritional status may affect elderly particularly during the aging process. It becomes the challenge for older population to maintain their health with good nutritional level. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the nutritional status among elderly in longhouses and its' association with demographic factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional quantitative study. A total of 109 Malaysian older adults were recruited using convenience sampling method. The MNA®-SF questionnaire was adopted to determine the nutritional status among elderly. Results: The findings of the study show that elderly at longhouses are at risk for malnutrition (M=10.15, SD=2.289). There is a statistically significant relationship between age/alcohol consumption and nutritional status (p<0.05). Conclusion:The study reveals an important information regarding nutrition status of the elderly residing in long houses at Kuching and Serian divisions. The local public health providers are recommended to take further actions in enhancing the nutritional status of the older population in Sarawak.