Evaluation of Nutritional Status Using Anthropometry and Biochemical Indices of Community Dwelling Older Persons in Nigeria

Ogechi Chinyere Nzeagwu

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics Michael  Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike PMB 7267 Umuahia, Abia state, Nigeria.

The number of older persons is on the increase and nutrition and health risks tend to increase with age.The study evaluated the nutritional status of community dwelling older persons using anthropometric and biochemical indices.The study was a cross sectional one carried out in semi-urban and rural communities comprising 600 older community dwellers aged ≥ 65years selected using multi-stage random sampling. Anthropometric status was assessed by body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC) and calf circumference (CC). Biochemical indices of serum haemoglobin (Hb), albumin, ferritin, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), C - reactive protein (CRP) were assessed for 25% of the subjects using standard procedure/methods and compared with recommended cut-off. Most (62.7%) had normal BMI, while 21.33% were overweight. Majority (74%) were at risk of heart disease with WHR. About 75.6% had normal MUAC and 24.33% were malnourished. Some (69.5%) had normal WC and 30.5% had increased risk of abdominal fat adiposity.  About 56.2% had normal CC, 43.8% were at risk of malnutrition. There was high prevalence of anaemia as 78% had low Hb. Majority (81%) had serum ferritin levels below normal range. About 43.3% had normal albumin level, 56.7% were within abnormal range of either < 35 or > 50g/l. Most (82.7%) were in lower risk category (< 1mg/l) of CRP. Majority (82%) had desirable total cholesterol, 53.3% had optimal LDL levels. Significant relationship (p<0.01) existed between Hb and ferritin for males (r = 0.794) and females (r = 0.839). Negative relationship was noted for Hb and CRP. There was positive association (p< 0.01) between BMI and CC, MUAC, WC; as well as between TC and LDL. Most of the subjects had normal BMI; many were at risk of heart disease with WHR and there was high prevalence of anaemia.

Anthropometry; Biochemical indices; Older persons; Evaluation; Community dwelling

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