Yu Xuan Koo1, Min Li Kang1, Angie Auyong1, Glen Zq Liau1, Jeremy Hoe1, Melody Long1, Aaron Koh1, Frederick Koh1, Rain Liu2, Gerald Koh3. 1. 1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,National University of Singapore,National University Health System,Singapore. 2. 2Institute of Technical Education,Singapore. 3. 3Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health,National University of Singapore,National University Health System,Block MD3,#03-20,16 Medical Drive, 117597Singapore.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the present study were to assess the nutritional status, identify factors for malnutrition risk and evaluate barriers to adequate nutrition among recipients of the Public Assistance (PA) scheme for socio-economically disadvantaged Singaporeans. DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed PA recipients' malnutrition risk using the DETERMINE Nutritional Health checklist and the full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), as well as their nutritional knowledge, co-morbidity burden, depression risk, instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADL and BADL), and awareness and utilization of available food services. In-depth interviews were also conducted on malnourished individuals (MNA score < 17) to understand barriers to adequate nutrition. SETTING: Homes of community-living older adults and nursing homes of institutionalized older adults. SUBJECTS: All PA recipients aged ≥55 years in Central Singapore District. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-five of 511 (91·0 %) eligible PA recipients participated in the study. The prevalence of malnutrition in the study population was 2·8 %. However, 50·3 % were at risk of malnutrition. Among community-dwelling respondents, the risk of malnutrition was independently associated with age >75 years, currently unmarried, BADL impairment, depression risk and BMI < 19·0 kg/m2. Qualitative analysis revealed that financial, social and physical barriers and lack of knowledge were the main contributors to poor nutritional status. Only half were aware of subsidized food services and education increased interest in utilizing food services. Among nursing home respondents, those who were BADL impaired were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Among PA recipients, the prevalence of malnutrition is low but the risk of malnutrition is high. Education on adequate nutrition and food services are recommended.
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the present study were to assess the nutritional status, identify factors for malnutrition risk and evaluate barriers to adequate nutrition among recipients of the Public Assistance (PA) scheme for socio-economically disadvantaged Singaporeans. DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed PA recipients' malnutrition risk using the DETERMINE Nutritional Health checklist and the full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), as well as their nutritional knowledge, co-morbidity burden, depression risk, instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADL and BADL), and awareness and utilization of available food services. In-depth interviews were also conducted on malnourished individuals (MNA score < 17) to understand barriers to adequate nutrition. SETTING: Homes of community-living older adults and nursing homes of institutionalized older adults. SUBJECTS: All PA recipients aged ≥55 years in Central Singapore District. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-five of 511 (91·0 %) eligible PA recipients participated in the study. The prevalence of malnutrition in the study population was 2·8 %. However, 50·3 % were at risk of malnutrition. Among community-dwelling respondents, the risk of malnutrition was independently associated with age >75 years, currently unmarried, BADL impairment, depression risk and BMI < 19·0 kg/m2. Qualitative analysis revealed that financial, social and physical barriers and lack of knowledge were the main contributors to poor nutritional status. Only half were aware of subsidized food services and education increased interest in utilizing food services. Among nursing home respondents, those who were BADL impaired were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Among PA recipients, the prevalence of malnutrition is low but the risk of malnutrition is high. Education on adequate nutrition and food services are recommended.
Authors: Alex R Cook; Mikael Hartman; Nan Luo; Judy Sng; Ngan Phoon Fong; Wei Yen Lim; Mark I-Cheng Chen; Mee Lian Wong; Natarajan Rajaraman; Jeannette Jen-Mai Lee; Gerald Choon-Huat Koh Journal: BMC Med Educ Date: 2017-09-20 Impact factor: 2.463
Authors: Matthew Lee Smith; Caroline D Bergeron; Sue Lachenmayr; Leigh Ann Eagle; Judy R Simon Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-05-20 Impact factor: 3.390