A Study to Assess the Prevalence and Contributing Factors Regarding Malnutrition Among Older Adults with a View to Develop Structured Information Booklet on Prevention of Malnutrition in Selected Rural Areas of Korba, C.G.

Abstract

Background of the Study: Malnutrition in older adults has been recognized as a challenging health concern associated with not only increased mortality and morbidity but also with physical decline. The population of elderly people ≥ 60 years is increasing worldwide and is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050. In India, the elderly people constitute 8.1% of the total population. Different studies in India have shown that more than 50 % of elderly population of India are suffering from malnutrition and more than 90 % have less than recommended intake. Studies revealed that many elderly are suffering from one or other diseases. Nutritional status of the elderly population has become an important issue but often gets neglected. Under-nutrition and over nutrition are important public health priorities in this vulnerable group. Objectives: 1) To assess the socio- demographic variables of older adults at rural areas of Korba (C.G.), 2) To assess the prevalence of malnutrition among older adults in rural areas of Korba (C.G.), 3) To assess the contributing factors of the malnutrition among older adults in rural areas of korba (C.G.), 4) To find out the association between contributing factors with selected socio-demographic variable in rural areas of Korba (C.G.). Setting and Design: An evaluative research approach and non- experimental descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Material and Methods: A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 60 older adults who were residing in rural area of Korba district, (C.G), for main study. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.