Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Practice among the Elderly at Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: A balanced diet is one that has appropriate amounts of all important elements in the proper quantities to maintain optimal health. Due to the physiological changes that occur in the body as one ages, good nutrition is especially crucial for the elderly. Noting its importance, this study attempted to assess the status of the level of knowledge, and practice of balanced diet intake among the elderly population in Biratnagar.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Ward no.1, Nepal after the ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee. Wards and study participants were selected using simple random sampling and convenience sampling respectively. A total of 196 elderly people actively participated, and data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire through interviews. The collected data was entered and analyzed through Epi-data and SPSS version 20.

Results: Although all respondents had heard of a balanced diet, the majority of them (49.5%) had inadequate knowledge about it, and 58.2% had poor practice.

Conclusions: Diets and lifestyles that reduce the risk of disease and increase the chances of healthy aging are especially important for older people. Dissemination of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on healthy eating, the benefits of healthy eating, food pyramids, and plates for the elderly can be promoted through the mobilization of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs).