Abstract

CONTRERAS, Ana Lucía et al. Malnutrition and associated factors in the elder population of Masma Chicche, Junin, Peru. Rev Med Hered [online]. 2013, vol.24, n.3, pp.186-191. ISSN 1729-214X.

Objective: Determine the nutritional status and factors associated to malnutrition in the elder population of Masma Chicche, Junin. Methods: Cross-sectional study in persons above 60 years of age in the district of Masma Chicche, Junin. The nutritional evaluation was performed using the mini nutritional assessment method (MNA); depression was evaluated using an integral geriatric valoration scale (Yesavage); functional status was evaluated using the Katz´s method; cognitive deterioration was measured by the Pfeiffer´s method; oral health was evaluated by the GOHA´s method and social status by the Guijon´s method. Descriptive statistics, Chi square and ANOVA tests were used to contrast variables, a p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 72 elder persons were evaluated; the prevalence of malnutrition was 29.9%; 57.9% were at risk for malnutrition. Prevalence of depression was 69.4%; 27.8% had cognitive deterioration; 93.1% had negative perception of their oral health; 51.4% were functionally dependant and 100% had any kind of social problem. Malnutrition was associated with age, male gender and depression. Conclusions: Almost one third of the elder population of Masma Chicche has malnutrition, which is associated with male gender and depression.

Keywords : Malnutrition; risk factors; aged.

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