Effect of Physical Activity and Gender on Malnutrition Risk Among a Group of Elderly Jordanians

摘要

Background and Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and it’s associated risk factors among elderly Jordanians and to evaluate the effect of physical activity and gender on malnutrition risk. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, sixty elderly individuals (>65 years) were screened for the risk of malnutrition based on gender and physical activity. Malnutrition risk scores were calculated using the nutrition screening initiative (NSI) DETERMINE checklist and the mini-nutritional assessment short-form (MNA-SF). Results: According to the NSI and MNA-SF, 48.7 and 18.3% of study participants were malnourished, respectively. The NSI checklist revealed significant differences (p<0.05) between the active and inactive groups with regards to diet (eating few fruits or vegetables or milk products), tooth or mouth problems (that make eating difficult), the amount of money available to buy food and the physical ability to shop, cook and/or feed oneself. The MNA-SF checklist showed significant differences (p<0.05) with regards to food intake and mobility. In addition, the NSI checklist also showed significant differences between males and females with regards to tooth or mouth problems (p = 0.0576) and the physical ability to shop, cook and/or feed oneself (p = 0.0501). Conclusion: Elderly Jordanians have a high risk of malnutrition and this risk is more prevalent in physically inactive elderly males.