Nutritional status among the geriatrics in Nyamira subcounty, Kenya

Abstract

in Kenya, the population of persons aged 60 years end above increased steadily from 1 million in 1989 to 1.9 million by 2009 and is projected to reach about 3 million people by year 2030. Nutritional needs change throughout life and for the geriatrics, these changes may be related to the normal aging pr-oces-ses, medical conditions, or lifestyles in terms of nutritional status (Amella, 2007). This means there is need to develop nutrition policies and guidelines that will aid in maintaining their health status, thus this study aims to determine the nutritional status of the geriatrics in Nyamira Sub-county, Kenya. The study population will include persons aged at least sixty years and are residents in the study area. A sample of 230 participants will be targeted Data will be collected through face to face interviewer administered questionnaire, focused group discussion interview guide where discussions will be conducted in the three divisions. Nutrition assessment will. be carried out using Mini Nutritional Assessment tool, clinical assessment on age-related health problems will be considered and dietary assessment using food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometnc measurements will be taken including height, weight, Mid Upper Arm Circumference and annspan in determining the malnutrition• status of geriatrics. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics aided by the statistical package for social "Sciences ~SPSS).