Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2007;9(1):22-28.

일부 농촌지역 노인의 간이 영양상태 조사

한혜자, 김남초

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to provide basic information for developing programs to maintain and improve the physical health of the elders living in rural areas.
Methods
For this study, 200 male and female elders were selected through convenient sampling. The researchers visited the home of each elder and collected data by using the mini-nutritional assessment tool developed by Guigoz, Vellas & Garry (1996). Real numbers and percentages, means and standard deviations, t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe' test were used to analyze the data. SAS was the computer program used in this study.
Results
For nutritional status, 57% of the subjects were well-nourished, 41%, at risk for malnutrition and 2%, under nutrition. However, the average score for nutritional status was satisfactory at 24.03 points. The nutritional status of the elders was different according to their gender and age. Nutritional status was better in men than in women and better for those their 60s compared to those their 70s or 80s.
Conclusion
The nutritional status of elders in rural areas was assessed to be satisfactory; however, the nutritional status deteriorated as they got older. This result suggests the necessity of more thorough nutrition management for older elders by health care providers in rural areas.

Key words: 노인, 농촌, 영양상태