Correlation between community participation, nutritional appetite and psychological distress among comorbid older persons

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery

Research

Shimaa A. Khalaf¹  Martha M. Labieb²  Gellan K. Ahmed³  Saleh O. Abdullah⁴ 

[1] Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt;Department of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt;Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt;Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, SE5 8AF, London, UK;Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Hodeidah University, Al Hudaydah, Yemen;

关键词: Community participation;    Loneliness;    Comorbid;    Nutritional appetite;    Older person;    Psychological distress;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s41983-023-00708-5

 received in 2023-02-24, accepted in 2023-07-15,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundPoor appetite is a common problem among older people; it is known to contribute to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and increased mortality, which can affect their community participation and psychological status. In this study, we aimed to identify the relationship between community participation, nutritional appetite, and psychological distress among comorbid older people. This cross-sectional study included 300 elderly people, of whom 100 participated in geriatric clubs and 200 did not. Older people assessment sheet, the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire, the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were used.ResultsMajority of geriatric club members had high community participation, while half of the older people who were not members of the club had moderate community participation levels. Approximately 41.0% of the participants at geriatric clubs had no risk at this time for a nutritional decline, while less than three-quarters of those who are not geriatric club members need frequent appetite reassessment. A correlation was observed between community participation with appetite and psychological distress in those who attended geriatric clubs. Those who are not geriatric club members had correlation between appetite with community participation and psychological distress (P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsGood appetite and psychological status are positively impacted by engaging in social activities among older people. Findings suggest that community programs, such as Meal on Wheels programs, and shared group activities can improve appetite and social interaction among older people.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Egyptian Society of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery 2023

【 图 表 】

Fig. 2