Title
Association of visual impairment with malnutrition among elderly Indians: A pilot study
Authors
Rahul Kumar Verma1, Shrinkhal2 & Koushik Biswas3,*
Affiliation
1All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India; 2Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India; 3Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India; *Corresponding author
Rahul Kumar Verma - E - mail:
rahulmahurawan@gmail.com
Shrinkhal - E - mail: dr.shrinkhal.ophthal@aiimsrbl.edu.in
Koushik Biswas - E - mail: koushik.biswas@aiimsrbl.edu.in
Article Type
Research Article
Date
Received December 1, 2024; Revised December 31, 2024; Accepted December 31, 2024, Published December 31, 2024
Abstract
The elderly with visual impairment in India are at increased risk of malnutrition. Hence, a cross-sectional study of 50 visually impaired (visual acuity <6/18) and 50 normal vision elderly participants by convenience sampling at the ophthalmology clinic was completed. Interview and nutritional assessment of participants using Mini Nutritional Assessment were carried out. Visually impaired elderly reported less frequent consumption of dairy products (52% vs. 58%), legumes or eggs (82% vs. 94%) and fruits or vegetables (80% vs. 90%), compared to those with normal vision. Logistic regression analysis revealed visual impairment as an independent risk factor for malnutrition in the elderly (OR 8.41, 95% CI 1.52 – 46.36, p=0.015).
Keywords
Visual impairment, aged, geriatric assessment, nutrition assessment, malnutrition, mini nutritional assessments, dietary patterns
Citation
Verma et al. Bioinformation 20(12): 2024-2028 (2024)
Edited by
P Kangueane
ISSN
0973-2063
Publisher
License
This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
