Influence of socio-economic and psychosocial factors on food insecurity and nutritional status of older adults in felda settlement in malaysia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Older adults are at high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. However, the magnitude of food insecurity and malnutrition and their associations with socio-economic and psychosocial factors among older adults especially in rural areas of Malaysia are yet to be discovered. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between socio-economic and psychosocial factors with food insecurity and among older adults people in a rural area of Malaysia, i.e. an agricultural settlement under the Felda Land Development Authority (FELDA). Methods: A total of 289 respondents were recruited with a mean age of 69.7 ± 6.0 years through random sampling. Household visits were conducted to get information on food insecurity, depressive symptoms, stress, social support and functional status using a standardized questionnaire and face-to-face interview. Anthropometric indicators including weight and height were measured. Results: Results indicated that the prevalence of food insecurity was 27.7% (22.4% in men and 29% in women). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 25.1 ± 4.7 kg/m2 with men having a significantly lower BMI (23.1 ± 3.7 kg/m2) and majority of the respondents having normal body weight (40.8%) followed by overweight (36.7%). Risk factors of food insecurity were depressive symptoms [Odd Ratio (OR)=11.132], stress from family (OR=2.470) and BMI (OR=0.911) (p <0.05 for all parameters). Malnutrition as assessed using BMI was influenced by age (ß coefficient=-0.205), being women (ß coefficient=0.182) presence of depressive symptoms (ß coefficient=0.154) and food insecurity (ß coefficient=-0.140). Conclusions: In conclusion, about one third of the respondents experienced food insecurity. However, a substantial number of respondents were overweight. Psychosocial factors including stress and depressive symptoms increased the risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. There is a need to identify individuals at high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition and incorporate strategies and programmes to tackle these issues.