Nutritional assessment and factors associated with malnutrition among the elderly population of Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aimed at assessing the nutritional status among the elderly population and factors associated with malnutrition in the community setting in rural Nepal.ResultsOut of 339 participants, 24.8% (95% CI 20.21-29.30) fell into the normal nutritional status range; 49.6% (95% CI 44.29-54.91) were at risk for malnutrition while 24.8% (95% CI 20.21-29.30) were in the malnourished range, based on Mini Nutritional Assessment scores. Our findings revealed that belonging to a Dalit community, being unemployed, having experience of any form of mistreatment, lack of physical exercise, experiencing problems with concentration in past 30days and taking medication for more than one co-morbidity was significantly associated with the malnutrition status of the elderly.