Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Rural Elderly Population in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Undernutrition among the elderly is a major public health issue that contributes to increased morbidity
and mortality in developing countries. However, it is frequently misdiagnosed, undertreated, and underfunded. Therefore, this study tried to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among the elderly in the
Haramaya district, Oromia region, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 465 elders selected by a simple random
sampling technique from March 01 to 31, 2020. Data was collected using a mini nutritional assessment form, food
Consumption Score, and nutritional assessment tool. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science version 22 software. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of undernutrition was 51% (95% CI: 46.3, 55.5). Having comorbidities (AOR=2.1; 95% CI:
1.3, 3.5), living in a food insecure household (AOR=4.4; 95% CI: 1.6, 11.9), not having family/caregiver (AOR=3.2;
95% CI: 1.5, 6.6) and being in oldest-old age (≥85 years old) (AOR=6.6; 95% CI: 1.3, 33.6) were the factors associated
with undernutrition.
Conclusions: the prevalence of undernutrition among the elderly population remains a major public health problem
in the study area. Having chronic disease comorbidity, living in a household with food insecurity, being without a
caregiver, and being of advanced age were identified factors associated with undernutrition. Therefore, attention
should be given to the elderly with comorbidities, those living in food-insecure households, and those without family
or caregivers.
Keywords: Elderly; Undernutrition; Mini nutritional assessment; Eastern Ethiopia