Investigations into the Nutritional Status of Older Adults and the Related Lifestyle Risk Factors as well as Comorbidities at Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Older adults are particularly susceptible to nutritional risk states due to inadequate food intake and the prevalence of chronic medical conditions. This demographic necessitates comprehensive nutrition assessments to address their unique needs. Goals and Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary habits and the nutritional health of individuals aged 60 and older residing in Dhaka City. Ultimately, the study's goals are to inform public health strategies and interventions that can enhance the nutritional well-being of older adults in the region. Materials and Methods: The study involved older adults of various religions and sexes, recruited from different locations within Dhaka. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted in Bengali; alongside anthropometric measurements taken by researchers. Additionally, relevant health metrics, including the latest blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profiles, and biochemical test results, were sourced from hospital records. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of chronic health conditions among the elderly participants. Hypertension was observed in 58.5% of the population, with a significant portion classified as having moderate to high severity. Diabetes was present in 42.9% of participants, while chronic kidney disease affected 51.38%. Dementia was reported in 52.7% of the elderly individuals. Additionally, a significant proportion of participants had comorbid conditions, with 33.0% experiencing depression. Deficiencies in various vitamins were also noted, including 17.9% for vitamin A, 9.8% for vitamin C, 43.8% for vitamin D, and 11.6% for B complex vitamins. Furthermore, a notable number of participants reported mineral deficiencies, especially in calcium, which affected 52.7% of the group. In terms of lipid profiles, 41.9% of participants had normal total cholesterol levels, whereas 20.5% exhibited high cholesterol levels. Additionally, 33.9% of the elderly reported low levels of physical activity, indicating a sedentary lifestyle that may contribute to their overall health decline. The results underscore the presence of various lifestyle-related nutritional risk factors and provide insights into the nutritional patterns and challenges faced by older adults. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the urgent need for lifestyle modifications and dietary interventions to address the escalating chronic disease burden in Bangladesh's elderly population. Future research should focus on identifying specific nutritional issues within larger samples and implementing long-term monitoring of nutritional factors.