Abstract
Aim: To determine the frequency of malnutrition, its risk factors and to compare the effects of living system (alone or joint family) on malnutrition among elderly population of Karachi.
Methods: Comparative cross sectional study was conducted on elderly of various towns of Karachi for 8 months. A total of 206 samples were selected through convenient technique including people age 60 years and above while excluded those who were bed ridden, had malignancy or any debilitating disease.
Results: Total population surveyed comprised of 206 elderly of which 61% were women. Mean age for the population was 67.04 +/- 6.19years. According to MNA scale, 20% of studied population was found to be malnourished while 46% were at risk. Malnutrition was found to have statistically significant association with female, house wives and living alone (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Malnutrition is prevalent in elderly population of Karachi particularly in those who live alone. Significant factors include living alone, decrease in amount, frequency & type of food intake, physical immobility, depression & dementia. An integrated approach for early identification, counseling regarding healthy food and lifestyles and promotion of joint family system would be required to overcome the malnutrition and its deleterious effects.