Predictors of malnutrition among older adults aged above 65 years in eastern Ethiopia: neglected public health concern

A community-based analytical survey was conducted among randomly selected 592 older people aged above 65 years of age in Harari region. Subjects were selected using multistage sampling pretested Full Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to classify as malnourished (MNA score < 17), at risk of malnutrition (MNA score of 17 to 23.5) and otherwise normal. Validated geriatric depression scale short form (15 items) was employed to screen for depression. Data were presented using statistical tables, frequency, percentage, and graphs. Ordinary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of malnutrition and plum method was used to generate odds ratio. The level of statistical significance was declared at P-value less than 5%. Chi-square test, crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence was reported.

A total of 592 respondents (93.4%) were interviewed. About 306 (51.7%) and 93 (15.7%) were found to be at risk of malnutrition and malnourished respectively. The predicted log odds of being malnourished was higher among those from rural residents (AOR = 2.08: 1.25–3.45), not on working (AOR = 1.31: 95% CI: 0.87–1.95) and did not have health insurance (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI; 0.97–2.58). Those with chronic pain (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.15–2.51), previous hospitalization (AOR = 1.59: 95% CI: 1.27–2.38) and not able to cover their personal expense (AOR =1.61: 95% CI: 1.12–2.30) were predictors of malnutrition. The relationship between previous hospitalizations with malnutrition among older adults people is moderated significantly by the presence of chronic pain (β = 0.113, p = 0.015).