Knowledge and Nutritional Habits of Older Adults Regarding Immunity at Qena City

Abstract

Background: It is well-accepted that nutritional status plays a significant role in immune response especially among older adults. So, it is necessary to pay attention to their knowledge and nutritional habits.

Aim: To assess knowledge and nutritional habits of older adults regarding immunity at Qena city.

Design: A correlational descriptive design.

Method: Total coverage of all older adult members of the elderly club at Qena city by using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale. A convenient sample of 103 older adults who fulfilled the inclusion criteria was selected. The data was collected by using structured interview questionnaire which consists of three parts; part one: Socio-demographic characteristics. Part two: Knowledge of older adults regarding immunity and nutritional elements that enhance it. Part three: Dietary intake (24 hours recall method).

Results: The vast majority (94.2 %) of the study subjects have poor knowledge level. Harmful dietary habits among the study subjects as high carbohydrates sources consumption and low fruits and vegetables consumption, using butter for food preparation, and frying most of food are highly prevalent among elderly.

Conclusion: The vast majority of the study subjects have poor knowledge level as well as unhealthy nutritional habits.

Recommendation: Health education about immunity and dietary intakes of older adults are necessary to improve their knowledge and correct the dietary habits.