Health and living conditions of Lebanese elderly living in ruralareas distribution by governorates based on the amel study

Objective : To describe the socio-demographic characteristics, the health and living conditions and the nutritional status of rural elderly within the five governorates [Mohafazat] and compare results between genders

Methods : A cross-sectional population based study was carried out which enrolled 1200 community dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 years and above

Results : Among the participants, women were significantly more illiterate and financially dependent in all governorates compared to men. A significantly higher proportion of men was found to have better self-reported health in North [p < 0.001] and South Lebanon [p < 0.001] and Nabatieh [p = 0.009]. Depressive disorders and cognitive decline were significantly more prevalent among women compared to men in four of the five governorates. Poor nutritional status was significantly more prevalent among women in Mount Lebanon, North and South Lebanon [p = 0.031, p = 0.008 and p = 0.021 respectively]. Women were significantly more isolated than men in Nabatieh only and reported a higher feeling of loneliness in South Lebanon and Nabatieh [p = 0.044 and p < 0.001 respectively]

Conclusion : A better care for the elderly, especially women, throughout Lebanon and in certain regions in particular, is definitely warranted. Priority for access to care, sources of funding and health insurance should be secured for all Lebanese older adults

What is the health status of institutionalized elderly in Lebanon? A preliminary cross-sectional national survey

Medical conditions and dependency levels of the elderly in the Lebanese long-term care institutions have not been described. This may undermine care commissioning and development to institutionalized elderly. Data to inform policy and practice are needed.

Objective: To identify clinical diagnoses and dependency levels among elderly residents in long-term care institutions in Lebanon

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of long-term care institutions throughout Lebanon as identified by the Ministry of Social Affairs

Results: Thirty-one out of 42 long term care institutions have been included in this survey. Among them, 1371 elderly subjects were included in the analysis ; 75.6% were over the age of 75, and female represented 67%. Medical morbidities and associated disabilities have driven admission in 70.5% of residents ; 45.6% of residents reported dementia, stroke or other neurodegenerative disease. Overall, 60% of residents required locomotor assistance

Conclusions: Elderly residents in long-term care institutions are predominantly females, with mental and/or locomotor disabilities resulting from neurological and arthritic conditions. Targeting healthcare for such health conditions remains a challenge for the institutions

Prevalence of malnutrition and its correlates in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut, Lebanon

Malnutrition represents an important issue in older adults; unfortunately, there is lack of data concerning this topic in Lebanon. This paper aims to provide a description of nutri-tional status and its correlates in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut. This cross-sectional study was conducted in three long stay institutions in Beirut in 2012. The study population was composed of people aged 65 years and above, having a score of Folstein Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE] greater than 14 and without renal failure requiring dialysis. Subjects meeting inclusion criteria filled out a questionnaire consisting of nutri-tional status scale [Mini Nutritional Assessment: MNA] and several other parts [demographic, self-assessment of the state health, smoking and alcohol, physical dependence, quality of life, frailty, depression, social isolation and loneliness]. Data were entered and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS [Statistical Package for Social Sciences], version 17.0 [Chicago, IL, USA]. Among 111 older adults [55 men and 56 women], 14 [12.6%] were malnourished, 54 [48.7%] were at risk of malnutrition and 43 [38.7%] had an adequate nutritional status. Multivari-ate analysis showed that physical exercise, depression, frailty and cognitive function were inde-pendent correlates of nutritional status of older adults. This model explained 42.2% [adjusted R2=0.422] of the older adults nutritional status variability. We found a moderate percentage of malnutrition in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut, and the correlates of malnutrition in older adults were low physical exercise, depression, frailty and low cognitive function.