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Abstract
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Article Information:
The Nutrition Situation of the Elderly in Ghana: A Case Study
M. Steiner-Asiedu, Sr. J. Mombo Pelenah, B. Bediako-Amoa and A.O. Danquah
Corresponding Author: Matilda Steiner-Asiedu
Submitted: 2010 February, 03
Accepted: 2010 March, 05
Published: 2010 June, 25 |
Abstract:
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The nutrition and overall state of health of the elderly in the Ghanaian society is a serious issue
which warrants urgent attention. This paper reports the nutrition circumstances of the elderly visiting a center
in Accra, Ghana. Information on socio-demography, lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits, state of health, level
of physical activity, and food and nutrition security were collected through in-depth interviews. The participants
were made up of 10 males and 36 females (n = 46) and aged 60 years and above. Over half (61%) of the
participants experienced some degree of food insecurity with 75% of this group being food insecure with
moderate hunger while 4% were food insecure with severe hunger. The study showed food insecurity was
skewed towards females. Intake of food was marginal and most (males = 50%; females = 94.4%) skipped meals
due to lack of money. Loss of spouse, low education and gender were found to have an influence on food
insecurity among the subjects. Majority (76.1%) of the subjects had fair health status with females experiencing
more disease conditions than males. Use of multiple drugs was more prevalent among females than males.
Almost all subjects were independent in performing all daily activities, except for dressing and washing of self.
Nutrition education for the aged is w arranted. Furthermore, policies that will target the general populace to
ensure healthy aging cannot be overemphasised.
Key words: Case study, elderly, food security, health, nutrition, ,
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Cite this Reference:
M. Steiner-Asiedu, Sr. J. Mombo Pelenah, B. Bediako-Amoa and A.O. Danquah, . The Nutrition Situation of the Elderly in Ghana: A Case Study. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, (3): Page No: 95-103.
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ISSN (Online): 2040-8773
ISSN (Print): 2040-8765 |
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