RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Nutrition of the elderly affects immunity and functional ability and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Validation of a short-form (SF) scale will make the assessment easier for primary care physicians. Hence, the study was done to assess the validity and reliability of Mini-Nutritional Assessment-SF (MNA-SF) Questionnaire among elderly in Puducherry. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 279 elderly was conducted in four villages of rural Puducherry. We have used three forms of MNA questionnaire. Diagnostic accuracy of the MNA-SF was assessed and internal consistency was interpreted using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition by the MNA full-form scale was 17.9%. Similar prevalence was reported by the body mass index (BMI) MNA-SF (16.5%), but calf-circumference (CC) MNA-SF overestimated the prevalence (38%). Sensitivity was higher in CC-MNA-SF (92%) when compared to BMI-MNA-SF (72%), while specificity was higher in BMI-MNA-SF (95.6%) when compared to CC-MNA-SF (73.8%). The positive predictive value was higher in BMI-MNA-SF (78.3%) when compared to CC-MNA-SF (43.4%), while the negative predictive value almost similar in both the scales. Reliability of the questionnaire showed the highest value for MNA full form (alpha = 0.71). CONCLUSION: This shows that both the forms of MNA-SF (BMI-based, CC-based) were valid and can be recommended as a screening tool for the assessment of nutritional status of the elderly.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Nutritional status of the elderly population has become an important issue but often gets neglected. Both undernutrition and over nutrition are important public health priorities in this vulnerable group. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and factors associated with it among elderly population in rural Puducherry using mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 elderly population between November and December 2016 in four villages of rural Puducherry, India. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional status of the elderlies were collected using validated MNA questionnaire. Body mass index was used to report obesity based on Asia-Pacific guidelines. RESULTS: Among 279 participants, 178 (63.8%) were in the age group of 60-70 years, 190 (68.1%) were females, and 208 (74.6%) had no formal-education. Prevalence of malnutrition among elderly was found to be 17.9% (95% CI: 13.7-22.7) and about 58.8% (95% CI: 52.9-64.4) were at risk of malnutrition which was assessed using MNA questionnaire. Prevalence of obesity was found to be 32.5% (95% CI: 27.3-38.3) and 38.4% had inadequate fruits and vegetables intake. About 250 (89.6%) are living independently according to ADL score. CONCLUSION: Both undernutrition and over nutrition are important health issues to be considered among elderly population in this area. Primary healthcare strengthening to address and prevent this health issue by balanced dietary practices may improve their nutritional status, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most common life-threatening arboviral infection contributing to 92 million infections worldwide. India alone contributes for 34% of the global burden. Success of dengue control depends largely on adequate knowledge and good practices of preventive measures. However, there is a need to find the existing awareness among the general population, especially in rural areas. Thus, our present study was done to determine the awareness, attitude, and practice measures regarding dengue fever in rural Tamil Nadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional survey was done among 303 individuals belonging to the selected village in rural Tamil Nadu during November 2016. Information regarding sociodemographic details and awareness, attitude, and practice toward dengue were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Adequacy of knowledge and attitude was summarized as proportion with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Among 303 participants, 204 (67.3%) were above 30 years of age; 196 (64.6%) were females; 255 (84.1%) were ever married; 149 (49.1%) were employed and most of them 93 (30.6%) were educated up to secondary level; 103 (33.9%) belonged to the Class 4 socioeconomic status. About 33.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.2-38.8) of the study participants had adequate knowledge and 56.1% (95% CI: 50.5-61.6) had positive attitude toward dengue prevention. About 57.7% (95% CI: 52.1-63.2) were practicing preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The current study found that only one-third of the participants had adequate knowledge regarding dengue but more than half of them had positive attitude toward dengue prevention and practicing mosquito control measures. Hence, large-scale information, education, and communication campaigns need to done at frequent intervals for rural population.
