Association of visual impairment with malnutrition among elderly Indians: A pilot study

The elderly with visual impairment in India are at increased risk of malnutrition. Hence, a cross-sectional study of 50 visually impaired (visual acuity <6/18) and 50 normal vision elderly participants by convenience sampling at the ophthalmology clinic was completed. Interview and nutritional assessment of participants using Mini Nutritional Assessment were carried out. Visually impaired elderly reported less frequent consumption of dairy products (52% vs. 58%), legumes or eggs (82% vs. 94%) and fruits or vegetables (80% vs. 90%), compared to those with normal vision. Logistic regression analysis revealed visual impairment as an independent risk factor for malnutrition in the elderly (OR 8.41, 95% CI 1.52 - 46.36, p=0.015).