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The nutritional status of older Rwandan refugees
S Pieterse1, M Manandhar, S Ismail
1Public Health Nutrition Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. rvsp@wxs.nl
Public Health Nutrition
|August 10, 2000
Summary
Undernutrition is prevalent in older Rwandan refugees, especially those over 60 and with kyphosis. Nutritional status assessments are crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Assessing the nutritional status of older adults in refugee settings is critical for public health interventions.
- Rwandan refugees in Tanzania faced prolonged displacement, necessitating an evaluation of their health and nutritional well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the nutritional status of older Rwandan refugees in a post-emergency setting.
- To identify factors associated with undernutrition in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 828 Rwandan refugees (413 men, 415 women) aged 50-92 years.
- Nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), Arm Muscle Area (AMA), and Arm Fat Area (AFA).
- Height was estimated for kyphotic individuals using regression equations.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of undernutrition (BMI < 18.5) was 19.5% in men and 13.1% in women.
- Undernutrition was more common in individuals over 60 years old.
- Older age groups had significantly lower Arm Muscle Area (AMA), impacting activity and independence.
Conclusions:
- Undernutrition is a significant issue among older Rwandan refugees, even after a year in exile.
- Advanced age and kyphosis are associated with a higher prevalence of undernutrition.
- Nutritional assessments must include individuals with kyphosis to accurately gauge undernutrition rates.