Hygienic assessment of the nutrition structure of the elderly population of the city of Dushanbe and districts of the republican subordination of the Republic of Tajikistan

Introduction . This study presents a hygienic assessment of the dietary structure among the elderly population residing in Dushanbe and the districts under republican subordination (DRS) of the Republic of Tajikistan. The purpose of the study: to examine the dietary patterns and identify key factors influencing the nutritional behavior of elderly individuals in Dushanbe and the DRS. Materials and methods . A total of 473 elderly individuals aged 65 to 80 years (238 men and 235 women) were surveyed. The study was conducted in Dushanbe and the DRS of the Republic of Tajikistan. Distribution by residence: 224 participants (47.4%) lived in Dushanbe, and 249 (52.6%) in the DRS. The mean age of the study population was 66.6 years. Socio-demographic characteristics: Among the respondents, 3 individuals (0.6%) lived alone, 14 (3.0%) lived without children, grandchildren, or relatives, and 456 (96.4%) resided in households with four or more family members. The data were analyzed as a unified cohort representing the nutritional behavior of the elderly population in the urbanized central region of Tajikistan. Results . The analysis revealed deviations from recommended dietary norms, including low intake of animal protein (27.8% vs. the recommended 50%), insufficient fat consumption, and a high proportion of animal fats (66.6%), posing a risk for non-communicable diseases. The average daily carbohydrate intake was 349.5±7.4 g, with mono- and disaccharides comprising up to 8%. Deficiencies in vitamins C, B1, and B2 were identified, along with inadequate intake of iron (14.9 mg vs. 18 mg) and calcium (417.5 mg vs. 1000 mg). Conclusion . The diet of the elderly was characterized by monotony and limited variety, with low consumption of milk, meat, vegetables, and fruits. Fish, cheese, and cottage cheese products were virtually absent from their diet. These findings underscore the urgent need to adjust and improve the nutritional intake of this population group.