scholarly journals Nutritional, immunological and health status of the elderly population living in poor neighbourhoods of Quito, Ecuador

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 845-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Sempértegui ◽  
Bertha Estrella ◽  
Negar Elmieh ◽  
Michael Jordan ◽  
Tanvir Ahmed ◽  
...  

The number of elderly people is increasing in less-developed countries. Although nutritional deficiencies and infectious diseases are generally more prevalent in resource-poor countries, the health and nutritional status of the elderly in South America in general, and in Ecuador, in particular, remains largely unstudied. The objective of the present study was to assess the nutritional, immunological and health status of elderly Ecuadorians. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate a sample of elderly Ecuadorians with 24 h dietary recalls, biochemical and anthropometric measurements, delayed type hypersensitivity skin response and a health questionnaire. The 145 elders who enrolled had a mean age of 74·3 (sd 6·9) years. Of the subjects, 52 % exhibited BMI ≥25 kg/m2, whereas 9·1 % had BMI ≤20 kg/m2. Means of dietary intakes were below recommendations for most nutrients; exceptions were carbohydrate, fat, Fe and Se. Serum nutrient levels indicated that 50, 44, 43, 19 and 18 % of participants had deficiencies of Zn, Fe, vitamins B12and D, and folate, respectively. The mean number of positive responses to seven recall antigens was 2·1 (sd 1·7) with an induration diameter of 9·9 (sd 7) mm, which are substantially lower than those reported for elders in developed countries. During the previous 6 months, 54 and 21 % of subjects reported at least one episode of respiratory infection or diarrhoea, respectively. Of these, 47 % sought care at a hospital or from a physician and 96 % from a relative or friend. In conclusion, while few elderly Ecuadorians were underweight, obesity was common. Micronutrient deficiencies were prevalent and may contribute to reduced immunological responses in this population.

Author(s):  
Gizell Green ◽  
Riki Tesler ◽  
Cochava Sharon

The Internet and social media are crucial platforms for health information. Factors such as the efficiency of online health information, the outcomes of seeking online health information and the awareness of reliable sources have become increasingly important for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine differences between elderly individuals’ income above and below the average monthly wage in relation to their online health information efficiency and the outcomes of seeking online health information; to evaluate types of online information sources with online health information efficiency and the outcomes of seeking online health information; and to explore online health information efficiency as a mediator between health status and awareness of online sources. A cross-sectional study design was conducted with 336 elderly participants age 65 or older. The participants volunteered to complete a questionnaire. No differences were found between the two groups regarding efficiency in retrieving health information from official online health sites and Google. Perceived efficiency mediated health status and awareness of online sources. In these challenging times, it is important to provide a tailor-made education strategy plan for reliable sources of online health information for the elderly, in order to enhance their technology safety skills. It is also important to explore other mediating variables between health status and awareness of online sources.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-49
Author(s):  
Keshab Prasad Timalsina

The elderly abuse in a family is one of the most challenging problems in a society. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of elderly abuse in the family environment of JureliTole of Bakaiya Rural Municipality. The study also presents various risk factors that influence the prevalence of Elderly abuse. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 103 elders taken from household survey by using census method. The data were collected through a face-to-face structured interview schedule. The descriptive and regression analysis of the collected data showed that the prevalence of elderly abuse was 46.6% in the study population. This study measured significant association (p<0.05) of overall abuse against the elder with only two socio-demographic variables (literacy status and health status) among the variables (gender, age groups, living with or without spouse, literacy status, health status, dependency status, and income level). The results showed that the elders with/without spouse had the highest odds ratio to be abused (2.19 times) followed by gender (1.64 times), and health status (1.25 times). Although this study found lower prevalence than many previous studies, it is still significant and needs to be prevented. Based on the study, it can be said that living without a spouse, with poor health, and being female are the major predictive descriptors for elderly abuse.The policies and programs are needed for the prevention of elderly abuse which may require collective action from social, health and justice sectors. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waris Qidwai ◽  
Imdad Ali Khushk ◽  
Fizzah Farooq ◽  
Muhammad Yusuf Hafiz ◽  
Kashmira Nanji

Background: Worldwide, some one million people pass the sixty year old threshold every month (Ageing, WHO). Between 2010 and 2050, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in Outpatient clinics (OPD) of two hospitals in Karachi from April to May 2013. Elderly (> 60 years of age) visiting the clinics were consecutively recruited. 477 elderly were approached and a pretested, structured questionnaire was used to obtain information. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19 and Pearson chi-square test was used to identify the factors related to choosing of "Old Age Homes". Results: A total of 400 participants were selected. Fifty-five percent of the elderly were in between 60 to 65 years of age and majority was males 54.8 percent. Elderly were aware of the presence of "Old Age Homes" in Pakistan, however only 7 percent choose to live in there. The main reason was found to be that the elderly did not want to go away from their families and loved ones. Conclusion: In conclusion, majority of the participants felt insecure to live in a home with strangers. However, "Old Age Homes" were preferred choice for those with chronic diseases or those living alone. Media should initiate public education programs to reduce social stigmas in seeking alternate long-term care services outside of the family.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 984
Author(s):  
Galya Bigman

Smell and taste decline with aging, and markedly deteriorate when nutritional deficiencies occur. This study aims to examine the associations between Vitamin D (VD) deficiency and smell and taste impairments among adults. This paper details a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2013–2014.). Smell impairment was assessed by the Pocket Smell Test and defined as failing to correctly identify six or more of the eight odors. Taste impairment was defined as failing to correctly identify quinine or sodium chloride. VD was measured as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin. Multivariable weighted logistic regressions were utilized. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were presented. Overall, 2216 (smell sample) and 2636 (taste sample) participants were included, aged between 40 and 80 years old. Of those, 18.3% had taste impairment, 12.2% had smell impairment, and 20% had VD deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Compared to participants with sufficient VD (>30 ng/mL), those with VD deficiency were more likely by 39% to report a higher prevalence of smell impairment (OR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02–1.89); and only participants aged 70–80 years with VD inadequacy (20–30 ng/mL) were more likely by 96% to report a higher prevalence of taste impairment (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.35–1.85). VD may have a significant role in age-related smell impairment in adults aged 40 years or older, and in age-related taste impairment in the elderly aged 70–80 years.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kidest Wondiye ◽  
Netsanet Abera Asseffa ◽  
Tsegaye Demisse Gemebo ◽  
Feleke Hailemichael Astawesegn

Abstract Background In any society, the elderly are among the vulnerable and high risk groups with regard to health status. In persons over the age of 60 years, nutrition is among the important determinants of health. However, undernutrition among the elderly is often under diagnosed and/or neglected. Hence, in this study, we looked at prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among the elderly. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sodo Zuriya district. Multi-stage systematic sampling method was used to select 578 elderly. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics, dietary diversity, and health status of the elderly. Measurements of weight and height were taken using digital weighing scale and stadio-meter, respectively. Data was entered and cleaned in Epi-Data version3.1and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were done and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 17.1%. On multivariate logistic regression, being unable to read and write (AOR = 2.09), not being married (AOR = 2.02), history of decline in food intake (AOR = 2.1), smoking (AOR = 4.9) and monthly income <$20 (AOR = 7.5) were factors positively associated with undernutrition. Conclusion The study revealed that prevalence of undernutrition in the district was relatively high. Hence, it is among the major public health burdens in the district. Hence, to improve nutritional status of elderly the district health office and health professionals should consider behavioral support interventions to assist in cessation of smoking. There is also a need to financially empower the elderly in the district.


2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-5
Author(s):  
Md Asif Iqbal Khan ◽  
Md Mahfuzur Rahman ◽  
Md Mahfuz Hossain ◽  
Abu Syem Md Shahin

Background Despite remarkable reduction in the prevalence of dental caries in developed countries, dental caries is still a highly prevalent disease among children in developing countries. Objectives To estimate the oral health status of children under five years of age by assessing decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) status of primary teeth along with their tooth cleaning and food habits. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study on oral health status of children under five years of age was carried out among 107 children attending the Outpatient Department of Sapporo Dental College and Hospital, situated at Uttara, Dhaka. Data was collected both in English and Bengali with a pre-tested structured questionnaire and a checklist. Results Dental caries (d) was found in 69.2% of the children while missing (m) and filled (f) teeth were recorded in 14% and 21.5% of the children respectively. Almost three quarter children (72%) demonstrated an overall dmft score 1 or higher; whereas one third children (28%) demonstrated dmft score 0 or free from any form of dental decay, missing teeth and dental filling. Increased age of the children was directly associated (p<0.05) with the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth. The study also revealed that correct method of brushing was practiced by only 44% of the children and recommended brushing time (1-3 minutes) was done by 37.3% only. Children who were assisted by their parents during brushing experienced less caries compared to the children who brushed their teeth by themselves and this finding was statistically significant (p<0.05). Taking snacks between meals was preferred by 106 children and among them 97.2% did not clean their mouth after having snacks. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i1.13945 Update Dent. Coll. j: 2011; 1 (1): 02-05


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin Yang ◽  
Hui Deng ◽  
Qingqing Yang ◽  
Xianbin Ding ◽  
Deqiang Mao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background China has the largest elderly population in the world; little attention has been paid to the mental health of elderly in areas of extreme poverty. This is the first study to investigate the mental health of the rural elderly in poverty state counties in Chongqing and was part of the Chongqing 2018 health literacy promotion project. Methods In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the mental health status of the rural elderly in fourteen poverty state counties of Chongqing, in which a total of 1400 elderly aged ≥ 65 years were interviewed, where mental health status was measured by the ten-item Kessler10 (K10) scale. Ordered multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the influencing factors related to mental health of the elderly in these areas. Results The average score of K10 in 14 poverty state counties was 17.40 ± 6.31, 47.6% was labeled as good, 30.2% was moderate, 17.0% was poor, and lastly 5.1% was bad, and the mental health status of the elderly in the northeastern wing of Chongqing was better than the one in the southeastern wing of Chongqing. A worse self-rated health was the risk factor for mental health both in the northeastern and southeastern wings of Chongqing (all P < 0.001). Lower education level (OR (95% CI) = 1.45 (1.12–1.87), P = 0.004) was a risk factor in the northeastern wing, whereas older age (OR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.13–1.56), P = 0.001) was a risk factors in the southeastern wing. Conclusions The results showed that mental health of the elderly in poverty state counties was poor, especially in the southeastern wing of Chongqing. Particular attention needs to be paid to the males who were less educated, older, and single; female with lower annual per capital income; and especially the elderly with poor self-rated health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Prabhjot Kaur

Micronutrients deficiency are often common in elderly people due to a number of factors like reduced food intake and lack of variety in foods they eat. To study the food habits, food pattern, dietary intake and their effect upon nutritional profile of elderly males belonging to rural and urban area. This was a cross sectional study done among 100 elderly males, 50 each belonging to HIG and LIG in various villages of district Ludhiana in the age group of 60 and above. A pretested, semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was analyzed by using different statistics formulas. The result shows that the average daily intake of energy by the elderly male respondents of HIG ranged from 1565 kcal to 1818 kcal and for respondents of LIG ranged from 1432 kcal to1660 kcal which was below the energy requirements given for 60+ age group based on their body weights. Significant association was found between knowledge and occupation, education, marital status and income. This study shows that the diet of the respondents of HIG were adequate in protein, fat, calcium, iron, vitamin C but were inadequate in energy, carbohydrates, fibre, carotene and riboflavin. The diets of elderly of LIG respondents were inadequate in all the major nutrients leading to nutritional deficiencies and making them more susceptible to diseases.


Author(s):  
Byung-Ik Yang ◽  
Ji-A Park ◽  
Jae-Young Lee ◽  
Bo-Hyoung Jin

(1) Background: To analyze the association between periodontal health status and daily oral health activities including lingual and palatal site toothbrushing. (2) Methods: One hundred and fifty Korean elderly people aged >65 years participated in the study. Clinical examination regarding oral health status, including periodontal health status, was evaluated, and data on the oral health activities, socio-demographic factors, and systemic health-related factors were obtained using a questionnaire. Statistical analyses assessed the differences of periodontal health status according to daily oral health activities, including lingual and palatal site toothbrushing. (3) Results: Oral health activities including lingual and palatal site toothbrushing, frequency of toothbrushing, use of an interdental toothbrush, dietary patterns, and activity dependence correlated with bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontitis. After adjusting for covariates, the prevalence of periodontitis was lower in the group where the inner surfaces of the teeth were partially or wholly cleaned than in the group without such cleaning. High BOP was significantly associated with the brushing of the inner surfaces of teeth. (4) Conclusions: Lingual and palatal site toothbrushing was associated with good periodontal health status in the elderly; the importance of brushing the inner surfaces of teeth should be emphasized for them and their caregivers.


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