The research questions were: What are the major illnesses the community suffers from? How is the nutritional status of that community? Is there any relation between nutritional statuses with present illness?
The study is conducted keeping in mind the following objectives: to assess the nutritional status of the adult people in the selected area; to determine the dietary pattern of the respondents; to co-relate the clinical conditions with their dietary pattern; and to formulate alternative ways for the good health of adults aged 50-70 years.
Malnutrition is common among people aged above 50 years in India. The prevalence of malnutrition among the elderly was found to be 11.6% and the percentage at risk of malnutrition was 46%. Keeping in mind the fact that people from other part of Kamrup district were already suffering from malnutrition and hence even in Dispur zone, Kamrup district, there was every possibility of people suffering malnutrition but no such data or study were published or discussed so far for this age group of people. Therefore, in order to make elderly people aware about their biological status, in terms of nutrition and to improve their quality of life there was a need of such research considering their nutritional status and its deleterious effect on their health and wellbeing.
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
III. MATERIALS AND METHODS
IV. RESULTS AND FINDINGS
V. DISCUSSION
VI. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Focus
The primary objective of this research is to assess the nutritional status of adults aged 50-70 years in the Dispur zone of Kamrup (Metro) district, Assam, and to understand how dietary patterns correlate with their clinical health conditions to formulate health improvements.
- Assessment of the nutritional status of adults in the selected area.
- Determination of dietary patterns among the respondent group.
- Correlation analysis between clinical conditions and dietary habits.
- Formulation of alternative strategies for improving the health of adults aged 50-70 years.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background:
The concept of being healthy or well is very far ancient. Although the concept became changed in modern age but still wellness became the prime aspect of life. During ancient times many treatment technique like Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Naturopathy were more prevalent as compared to nutritional treatment as people were not aware of nutritional therapy or treatment. Hence the symptoms of scurvy like gum swelling and bleeding , severe joint pain rapid breathe, poor wound healing were not addressed as until Elbert Szent Gyorgyi had discovered vitamin C in 1930 and from then onward many nutritional therapies started. Nutritional therapy covers different nutritional requirement for different age groups. Nutritional need varies from a child to an old man as due to the changes in the various biochemical reactions due to physiological change with advancing age. Hence an infant’s body is supple and plaint and has delicate gastrointestinal tract (G.I) system, that of an elderly person is rigid and stiff and has fully function G.I system. Intake of nutrition affects the Nutritional status of a person. A person in the prime of his life may consume almost any eatable and requires more calories per day compared to, say, an elderly person. An elderly person, however, is severely restrained in the choice of his foods as most foods can easily kill him. Also, he requires lesser calories as compared to a young man. This category of people is very disadvantaged in terms of maintenance of their well being on account of their weaker immunity and body, as well as nutritional status as they have to
Summary of Chapters
I. INTRODUCTION: Provides the historical and physiological background of nutritional needs in adults and defines the problem statement regarding malnutrition in the study area.
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Examines existing data on demographic profiles, nutritional status classifications, factors affecting health, and disease profiles in the elderly.
III. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Describes the cross-sectional research design, sampling techniques, and the specific instruments used for data collection and nutritional education.
IV. RESULTS AND FINDINGS: Presents the gathered data on demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, clinical status, and dietary practices of the respondents.
V. DISCUSSION: Analyzes the findings regarding nutritional status, dietary patterns, and clinical correlations in the context of the study's objectives.
VI. CONCLUSION: Summarizes the key insights, confirming high obesity rates and nutrient inadequacies, and provides recommendations for future health interventions.
Keywords
Nutritional status, Adults, Dispur zone, Assam, Malnutrition, Obesity, Dietary pattern, Clinical conditions, BMI, Waist to hip ratio, Nutrition education, Elderly health, Micronutrient deficiency, Anthropometry, Health intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study focuses on evaluating the nutritional status of individuals aged 50-70 years residing in the Dispur zone of Assam to identify health risks and dietary deficiencies.
What are the primary themes addressed in the study?
The research explores anthropometric data, dietary habits, prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and the impact of nutritional education on health knowledge.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to assess the nutritional status of adults in the area, determine their dietary patterns, correlate these with clinical conditions, and formulate health improvement strategies.
Which scientific methods were employed for data gathering?
The study used a four-stage stratified random sampling method, combined with structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and 24-hour dietary recalls to gather data.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main sections detail the demographic profile, physical health (BMI, waist-to-hip ratio), specific disease prevalence, and a detailed analysis of food frequency and nutrient intake relative to RDA standards.
What are the key descriptive keywords for this research?
The study is best characterized by terms such as Nutritional status, Assam, Obesity, Elderly health, Dietary pattern, and Anthropometric assessment.
How were the participants categorized regarding their nutritional knowledge?
Participants were assessed using a pre- and post-education scoring system, classifying them as Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor based on the number of correct responses to nutrition-related questions.
What did the study conclude regarding BMI and Obesity?
The study found a high prevalence of obesity in the sample, noting that BMI alone was insufficient as an indicator, as waist-to-hip ratios provided more specific evidence of abdominal fat and related health risks.
How did nutritional education affect the respondents?
The intervention was highly successful, resulting in a significant increase in the knowledge levels of both male and female respondents regarding healthy dietary practices.
What role do traditional Assamese foods play in the findings?
The study examined the frequency of consumption of traditional foods like fermented mustard seed and sesame-based recipes, highlighting their importance in the dietary patterns of the local elderly population.
- Quote paper
- Dipjyoti Das (Author), 2017, The Nutritional Status of Adults Aged 50-70 Years in Dispur Zone, Kamrup (Metro), Assam, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/381015
