Factors impacting on the nutritional status of population aged 45 years and above in Nairobi: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To provide data on nutritional status and risk factors affecting the population aged 45 years and above for health policy development and program planning.

Design: A cross sectional study

Setting: Dagoretti sub-County of Nairobi County.

Subjects: Two hundred and eighty nine (289) purposefully selected households (29.8%males and 70.2%females) aged 45 years and above.

Main outcome measures: Quantitative household data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect qualitative data. Information on selected demographic and socio-economic household characteristics, health and food security was documented. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC).

Results: The study established that majority of this population faced many nutrition risks including lack of access to finances 161(58.5%), ill health 70(25.5%), rejection by community and relatives 26(9.5%) and taking care of grandchildren 10(3.6%) abandoned or orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Malnutrition using MUAC was 18.8% while by BMI was 11.4%. Of the population assessed, 46.4% had normal nutritional status while 40.9% were overweight, and 12.7% underweight, with more females (48.0%) than males (25.9%) being overweight.

Conclusion: Under nutrition and obesity are problems facing this population group aged 45 years and above in Nairobi. There is need for policy makers and programme managers to develop interventions aimed at minimising the effects of risks faced by this population in order to improve their well being.