Nutritional Status and Dietary Pattern of the Elderly in Tshiulungoma and Maniini Village of Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District.

Abstract

Introduction: Dietary patterns provide a comprehensive information about the food consumption habits within a population. Dietary patterns of every individual changes as we grow older. Dietary pattern of elderly is essential to the evaluation of their nutritional status. This study aimed to describe the nutritional status and dietary pattern of the elderly. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving elderly people aged 60 years and above. Socio demographic information was obtained from elderly people through a questionnaire. Dietary information was assessed using a questionnaire and dietary diversity score. Data on dietary intake were collected using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Height and weight were measured. BMI were determined and classified using BMI category. Results: A total of 300 elderly people had participated in the study, 150 from Maniini village and 150 from Tshiulungoma village. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 2%, 34% and 17% respectively. Most (66%) of the participants ate three meals per day. It was found that 13.7% of the elderly skipped breakfast every day. About 19.6% of elderly ate supper sometimes while 13.7% did not eat supper.Conclusion: The findings of study reveals that most of the participants ate three main meals a day, with minority skipping either breakfast or dinner or eat in- between meals. Obesity was more prevalent in female as compared to the male counterparts. Improving nutritional status of elderly should follow an integrated approach tackling both malnutrition at the same time considering behavioural approach.