Abstract:
Introduction: Elderly population is a group vulnerable for malnutrition, especially those
living in institutions. Assessment of food intake and provision of appropriate nutrition is
Essential for improvement of their health status. Aim: To determine the nutritional status
and adequacy of dietary intake among inmates of selected elders’ homes in Galle district.
Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among institutionalized
elders from selected elders’ homes in Galle district. A sample of 129 elders with a good
recall of the previous day’s diet were recruited and the 24-hour dietary recall method
was used to assess dietary intake. Adequacy of intake of different food groups was
determined, based on the minimum number of servings of each food group recommended
for Sri Lankan population. The nutritional status of the elders was assessed using Mini
Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Results: Study participants had a mean age of 71.9±10.5
years: Of them, 72.9% were female and 27.1% were male. According to MNA, 37.2% of
them were malnourished, 50.4% were at risk for malnutrition and only 12.4% were well
nourished. The 24-hour dietary recall revealed that, only 36% and 53% of the sample
received adequate number of servings of carbohydrates and proteins respectively. Fruit
and vegetable intake was inadequate in over 97% of them. Over 95% of the elders did not
receive adequate amounts of dairy products. More males consumed adequate amounts
of protein, compared to females (88.6% vs. 39.4%; pco.ooi), however, carbohydrate
intake was similar in both groups. Age of the inmates did not show any association with
adequacy of dietary intake. Conclusions and recommendations: Nutritional status is
not satisfactoiy* among the inmates of elders’ homes in Galle. An inadequate intake of all
major food groups was observed. Proper menu planning, regular nutritional assessment
and correction of deficiencies should be carried out to ensure good nutritional status of
elders.
