ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY INTAKE AND NUTRITIONAL SATUS OF ELDERLY IN BOSASO

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Adult malnutrition is on the rise worldwide. According to research, institutionalised elderly people e.g. those living in care homes are particularly at a greater risk. Residential care homes for the aged are relatively new in the country; therefore, there is paucity of data on the dietary intakes and nutritional status of elderly residents of such facilities. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess dietary intakes and nutritional status of the residents of the Bosaso District, Puntland State of Somalia. METHODS: Interviewer-administered questionnaires were employed to gather information on socio-demographic background, medical history and dietary patterns of participants. height and weight measurements were carried out and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated to determine the nutritional status of the participants. The variables were evaluated using chi-square test at a significance value of p<0.05. RESULTS: According to the BMI for defining malnutrition, about 59.7% of the subjects were at risk of malnutrition and 3.9% were actually malnourished. Although very few were found to be actually malnourished, many were at risk of malnutrition, indicating that the subjects will benefit from nutrition education and intervention.