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Table 1 Characteristics of studies extracted

From: Nutritional status and associated factors of older persons in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Author

Year of publication

Study title

Country

population

Study design

Sample size

Sampling strategy

Summary of findings

Andia, Fourera, Soulemane., Mamane,& Adehossi.

2019

Evaluation of nutritional status at household in elderly assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)

Niger

Elderly persons

Descriptive cross sectional study

384

Multi-stage sampling method

Nutritional status was characterised by BMI and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. MNA score of ≥24 points describes a well-nourished status. A score of 17 to 23.5 points indicates a risk of malnutrition, < 17 points indicate malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition was 7.8% which increased with the elderly from 5.8% (60 to 74 years) to 6.7% for more than 85 years old.

Jesus, Guerchet, Pilleron, Fayemendy, Mouanga, Mbelesso,& Desport,

2017

Undernutrition and obesity among elderly people living in two developing cities: prevalence and associated factors in the EDAC study

Central African Republic (CAR), Congo

Aged person 65 years and above

Cross-sectional study

990

Random sampling

BMI < 18.5 was considered undernutrition, between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight, a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 overweight, and > 30.0 obesity.

The study was conducted in two countries. While undernutrition in Congo was lower than in CAR (9.5% vs 29.5%), obesity was rather high in Congo (14.6%) than in CAR (2.7%). Socio-economic actors and food consumption were associated with malnutrition.

Dorcah Kwamboka Okinyi

2021

Nutritional Status Among the Geriatrics in Nyamira County, Kenyaperson

Kenya

Persons 60 years and above person

Cross-sectional study

230

multi-stage sampling technique

BMI and MNA were used to determine the nutritional status of participants. Based on the BMI measure, person31% were malnourished, and 42% were at risk. MNA scores exhibited that (54%) were malnourished, 29% were at risk and 17% were well nourished. Marital status (χ2 = 27.7699, P < 0.01), level of education (χ2 = 37.260, P < 0.001) and level of stress (χ2 = 57.712, P < 0.001) were predictors of malnutrition.

Alphas, C., Atuhairwe, C., Amongin, D., & Taremwa, M. I.

2018

Determinants of nutritional status among geriatric populations in Kween District, Eastern Uganda

Uganda

Older persons

Cross-sectional survey

250

Consecutive sampling approach

BMI and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) were used to determine the nutritional status of participants. The prevalence of malnutrition was evaluated to be 6%. The determinants of geriatric malnutrition include: age, weight, level of education, number of children, declined food intake, and as well neuropsychological problems.

Adebusoye, L.A., Ajayi, I. O., Dailo, M. D., & Ogunniyi, A. O.

2012

Nutritional status of older persons presenting in a primary care clinic in Nigeria

Nigeria

Older persons 60 years and above

Cross-sectional descriptive study

500

Simple random sampling

A validated and standardised Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to assess the nutritional status of participants. BMI, mid-arm and

calf circumference, and weight were used to determine the nutritional status of participants. The prevalence of undernutrition was 7.8%, while that of overweight was 54.1%. The aged with the oral problem were more likely to suffer undernutrition.

Robb, L., Walsh, C. M., Nel, M., Nel, A., Odendaal, H., & van Aardt, R.

2017

Malnutrition in the elderly residing in long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional survey using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) screening tool

South Africa

Older persons residing in a long-term care facility

Cross-sectional

162

Simple random sampling

The nutritional status of participants was assessed using the MNA questionnaire. BMI, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and calf circumference (CC) were used to measure malnutrition. Participants from the low socio-economic area had a higher prevalence of malnutrition (3.2%) than those in high socio-economic areas (11.3%), while the dietary intake was significantly associated with malnutrition.

De Rouvray, C., Jesus, P., Guerchet, M., Fayemendy, P., Mouanga, A. M., Mbelesso, P.,…& Desport, J. C.

2014

The nutritional status of older people with and without dementia living in an urban setting in Central Africa

The central African Republic and the Republic of Congo

Aged over 65 years

Cross-sectional survey

1016

Cluster sampling

BMI was used to determine the nutritional status of participants. The prevalence of undernutrition was 19.2%. Compared with healthy people, persons with dementia had an increased prevalence of undernutrition (32.0% vs 17.7%). Poor diet was as well associated with being underweight.

Aganiba, B. A., Owusu, W. B., Steiner-Asiedu, M., & Dittoh, S.

2015

Association between lifestyle and health variables with nutritional status of the elderly in the northern region of Ghana

Ghana

Aged 65 years and above in the northern region

Cross-sectional study

400

A multi-stage sampling technique

Using BMI (in kg/ m2) as an indicator for nutritional status, 18.0% of the participants were underweight, 60.5% had normal weight, and 21.5% were overweight. Alcohol consumption and sight problems were found to have a significant negative association with BMI. More males (19.8%) than females (16.6%) had a BMI less than 18.50 kg/m2. On the other hand, more females (about 25%) than males (17%) were overweight.

Tessfamichael, D., Gete, A. A., & Wassie, M. M. De Rouvray

2014

High prevalence of undernutrition among elderly people in northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

Ethiopia

All old people 65 years and above in Gonda town

Cross-sectional study

757

Two-stage cluster sampling method was used

BMI was used to measure the nutritional status of participants. The study indicated a high prevalence of undernutrition (21.9%) among the elderly. Old age range, gender, educational status, dietary diversity and socio-economic status were found to be factors affecting undernutrition.

Turkson, R. K. D., & Maphepha T. F.

2019

Using novel nutritional assessment tool to assess the nutritional status of the elderly in Mazenod: the case of old-age pension scheme in Lesotho

Lesotho

Elderly 70 years and above

Cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative study

60

Random sampling

The Novel Nutritional Status Assessment tool was used to assess the nutritional status of elderly persons.

50% of the elderly are at risk of malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition in males (17%) is lower than in females (28%).

Maila, G., Audain, K., & Marinda, P. A.

2021

Association between dietary diversity, health and nutritional status of older persons in rural Zambia

Zambia

Older persons in Milenge

Cross-sectional, descriptive study

135

Random sampling

Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were used to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among the respondents by calculating the body mass index (BMI). Thirty-four percent of the participants were underweight, and 8.1% were overweight. More men had severe underweight whereas the opposite was observed in women. Thus, more women were either overweight or obese. Dietary intake was significantly associated with malnutrition.

Abdulgafar Lekan Olawumi, Bukar Alhaji Grema, Abdullahi Kabir Suleiman, Yakubu Sule Omeiza, Godpower Chinedu Michael, Abdulrahman Shuaibu

2021

Nutritional status and morbidity patterns of the elderly in a Northwestern Nigerian hospital: A cross-sectional study

Nigeria

Person Patients 60 years and above

Descriptive cross-sectional study

348

Systematic random sampling

BMI, mid-arm circumference and calf circumference (CC) were used to predict the nutritional status of participants. Prevalence of malnutrition was 25.3%, and those at risk of malnutrition were 56.6%. Advanced age, lack of formal education, low monthly income, chronic respiratory diseases, physical inactivity and duration of chronic disease for more than 10 years were the predictors of malnutrition.

Cheserek, M. J., Tuitoek, P. J., Waudo, J. N., Msuya, J. M., & Kikafunda, J. K. 

2012a

Anthropometric characteristics and nutritional status of older persons in the Lake Victoria Basin of East Africa: region, sex, and age differences: original research

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

Older persons aged 60 years and above

Cross-sectional study

227 men and 310 women

–

Measures used were weight, height, arm span, mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF). Overall underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) was 26.4, 58.3% were normal (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), 10.8% were overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), and 4.5% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Older men (29.5%) were significantly more underweight (p-value< 0.05) than older women (24.2%), overweight (12.5%) and obesity (6.8%) were significantly higher in older women

Herve Hien, Abdramane Berthe, Maxime Koine Drabo, Nicolas Meda, Blahima Konate, Fatoumata Tou,

Fatoumata Badini-Kinda and Jean Macq

2014

Prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity among the elderly in Burkina Faso: cross-sectional study

Burkina Faso

Elderly persons 60 years and above

Cross-sectional study

389

Random clusters

BMI was used to determine the nutritional status of older persons. About 39% of the older persons were malnourished. Those aged ≥70 had significantly more malnutrition (50% vs. 31%, P = 0.0003) than those aged 60–69.

B. Blankson, A. Hall

2012

The Anthropometric Status Of Elderly Women in Rural Ghana and Factors Associated With Low BMI.

Ghana

Elderly women aged 60 to 92 years

Cross-sectional survey

59

-

The weight, height, half arm span and mid-upper arm circumference (MUaC) of each woman were measured; body mass index (BMI) and body mass for arm span (BMa) were calculated. 41% of women were underweight, and 16.9% were overweight or obese. Factors associated with a low BMI were: age (P = 0.001), chewing tobacco (P = 0.002), drinking alcohol (P = 0.012), a visual acuity score of < 30% (P = 0.038), using a walking aid (P = 0.016) and the number of children who gave the women cash (P = 0.005).

Cheserek, M. J., Waudo, J. N., Tuitoek, P. J., Msuya, J. M., & Kikafunda, J. K

2012b

Nutritional Vulnerability of Older Persons Living in Urban Areas of Lake Victoria Basin in East Africa: A Cross Sectional Survey

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania

Persons aged 60 years and above

Cross-sectional study

128

Systematic random selection

BMI was used as a nutritional status indicator by comparison to WHO cut-offs. The prevalence of underweight was 16.5%, with men (24.1%) being significantly more likely to be underweight (P < 0.05) than women (12.3%). Overall, 61.2% had normal body mass indices, 13.2% were overweight, and 9.1% were obese. Inadequate food access, poor health, living arrangements, and poor eating patterns were the main nutritional risk factors

Faith Agbozo,

Joyce Amardi-Mfoafo,

Helen Dwase,

Basma Ellahi

2018

Nutrition knowledge, dietary patterns and anthropometric indices of older persons in four peri-urban communities in Ga West municipality, Ghana

Ghana

Elderly aged 60–70 years

cross-sectional survey

120

Purposive Sampling technique

BMI was according to WHO age and sex-specific guidelines to determine the nutritional status of the aged. Underweight was 10%, while 21.7% were overweight or obese (16.6%). Positive insignificant corrections existed between knowledge and nutritional status (r = 0.261) and diet quality (r = 0.415). However, a strong significant (p = 0.027) positive correlation (r = 0.699) existed between diet quality and nutritional status

Afolabi, W. A. O., Olayiwola, I. O., Sanni, S. A., & Oyawoye, O.

2015

Nutrient Intake and Nutritional Status of the Aged in Low Income Areas of Southwest, Nigeria

Nigeria

Persons aged 58–99 years

cross-sectional and descriptive

140

A multistage sampling technique

BMI was used to determine the nutritional status of the aged. The prevalence of underweight was low (2.9%). Being overweight was high (20% for men and 22.8% for women). Weight and BMI are influenced by the energy intake of the men (r = 0.439, p = 0.008); (r = 0.352,p = 0.038). There was a high prevalence of overweight which coexists with underweight among the aged

GT Fadupin

2012

Social Support, Environmental Condition and Nutritional Status of the Elderly in Ibadan

Nigeria

Persons 60 years and above

 

150

 

BMI was used to classify the nutritional status of the aged. The BMI of the respondents indicates that 48.0, 7.3, and 44.7% of the respondents had normal weight, underweight, and overweight or obesity, respectively

Ogechi Chinyere Nzeagwu

2016

Evaluation of Nutritional Status Using Anthropometry and Biochemical Indices of Community Dwelling Older Persons in Nigeria

Nigeria

older persons of 65 years and above

cross-sectional

600

Multi-stage random sampling

BMI and MUAC were used to determine the nutritional status of participants. Most (62.7%) had normal BMI, while 21.33% were overweight. About 75.6% had normal MUAC, and 24.33% were malnourished.