Socio-Demographic and Nutritional Status of the Elderly in Selected Urban Communities in Kano State, Nigeria

This study assessed the socio-demographic data and nutritional status of elderly individuals aged 60 years in selected urban and rural communities in the Tarauni and Dawakin Kudu local government areas of Kano state, Nigeria. Seventy-seven (77) respondents were randomly sampled out of 96 older adults in the study area. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of the older elderly. The results obtained for demographic information showed that 40 (51.95%) were aged 60–70 years, 22 (28.57%) 71-80 and 15 (19.48%) are 81-90 years. The gender showed that 53 (68.83%) were male and 24 (31.17%) were female. 19 (24.69%) were married, 22 (28.57%) were widows/widowers, 27 (35.06%) lived in rural communities, 33 (42.86%) lived in urban communities, and 17 (22.08%) lived in semi-urban communities. 42 (54.555) were from the Hausa ethnic group, 7 (9.09%) were Igbo, and 11 (14.28%) were Yoruba, with Islam as the major religion practiced. The results showed that 14 (18.18%) had tertiary education, 22 (28.58%) were secondary graduates, 12 (15.58%) had primary school certificates, and 29 (37.66%) had no formal education. Meanwhile, the results showed that 14 (18.18%) were employed, 25 (32.47%) were famers/artisans, 10 (12.99%) were traders/business owners, and 28 (35.36%) were retirees. The results of the mini nutritional status of the elderly aged 60 years and above showed that 31 (40.26%) indicated a reduction in their food intake due to unavailability, 9 (11.16%) due to severe loss of appetite, 24 (31.16%) due to moderate loss of appetite, 13(26.89%) did not experience a decline in food intake. Results of weight loss among the elderly revealed that 5 (6.49%) experienced weight loss of >3kg (6.6lbs), 32 (41.56%) did not know their weight loss, while 23 (29.89%) lost between 1 and 3kg (2.2-6.6lbs) with 17(22.08%) had no weight loss. 7 (9.09%) 41 (53.25%): we’re out of bed/chair but don’t go far. In contrast, 10 (12.29%) went out freely and 19 (24.67%) experienced other forms of mobility. Table 2.0 reveals that 11 (14.29%) patients suffered psychological stress such as severe dementia and mild dementia. The results showed that 58 (75.32%) patients lived independently while 19 (24.68 %) lived in a nursing home/hospitalized during the study period. The results indicate that 19 (24.68 %) of the respondents took more than 3 prescribed drugs in a day, whereas 45 (58.44%) disagreed on taking more than 3 prescribed drugs a day. In conclusion, both government and non-governmental organizations should prioritize the awareness on the nutritional status of the elderly toward improving their health