Anthropometric measurements among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

BackgroundAgeing often accompanied by a decline in nutritional status significantly contributes to undernutrition. However, the anthropometrie characteristics and the risk of undernutrition among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia are not known Therefore, the aims of this study are to investigate (1) the age differences of anthropometrie characteristic in elderly men, (2) the magnitude of undernutrition among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia, and (3) the use of body mass index and mid-upper arm circumference in detecting undernutrition.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at four residential homes in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 135 male residents aged ≥60 years were recruited in this study. Anthropometrie parameters of body weight, standing height, body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured according to standard techniques.ResultsResults showed that age-related declines were statistically significant in body weight, BMI and MUAC (p < 0.05), but not in standing height (p = 0.067). Based on BMI < 18.5, 14.5% of the participants had undernutrition while 11.9% of the participants were malnourished (MUAC < 23 cm). Regression analysis revealed that there was a close relationship between BMI and MUAC (r = 0.84). A BMI of 18.5 was found to be equivalent to a MUAC of 22.9 cm.ConclusionsThis study revealed that there was a risk of undernutrition among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. This study also showed that MUAC correlates closely with BMI and can be used alternately to evaluate malnourishment among institutionalized elderly men.