Nutritional Assessment of Nursing Home Resident in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the nutritional status of elderly resident in nursing home through anthropometric measurements (Body Mass Index, mid-upper arm circumference) dietary pattern and food intake and clinical appearance in Baghdad city.

Methodology: A descriptive (cross sectional) design was carried throughout the present study to assess the nutritional status of nursing home residents in Baghdad City. This study started in March 22th, 2010 through July 29th, 2010. Probability" random sample of (50) older adults were selected out of nursing home residents in Baghdad City for the present study. The sample was assigned to the study according to the following inclusive criteria, Older adult age was (60-86) years old, who are on unhealthy Status in Nursing Home Residence. Data were collected through the use of the questionnaire and interview, and analyzed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis which reveals: demographic characteristic analysis of the sample concerned.

Results: the majority of the sample age is (70-74) years inferential (30%), the majority of study sample (62%) are male and the remaining are female, relative subjects level of education is that the greater number of them are illiterate and they are accounted for the indication of clinical appearance the majority for easy hair loss and bleaching nails (24%), show that the majority of BMI are within fourth categories groups and accounted for over weight(30%), the majority of MUAC within three groups and accounted for normal (82%).

Conclusion: their current medical problems, are overweight and taking medication. Most of the old age residents are not a customer for vitamins and minerals intake. Most of the old age residents are losing hair easily and bleaching nails.

Recommendations: Work on the coordination between the role of the state and civil society institutions and the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health for the purpose of direct supervision on the needs and problems of residents in the role of the state, the researchers recommend conduct a comparative study on the situation nutrition among the elderly living in nursing homes and the elderly living in the community.