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Health problems and nutritional status of Sudanese elderly in Khartoum State Hospitals.

Article Excerpt
Abstract

This study aims to assess the health and nutritional status and identify the major health problems and risk factors faced by the Sudanese elderly population admitted to Khartoum State Teaching Hospitals.

A Geriatric assessment to identify problems with activities of daily living, cognitive and psychological functions and senses was conducted to shed light on risk factors and heath not covered by routine medical examination that could affect health status. Nutrition was assessed using the BMI.

The commonest health problems faced by the elderly Sudanese were found to be endemic and epidemic diseases (e.g. Malaria), as well as chronic illnesses (e.g. Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus) and their complications. Activities of Daily Living revealed that a majority of the respondents were unable to care for themselves within a limited environment.

Polypharmacy was not a problem amongst Sudanese elderly. Depression, either mild or severe was found in a majority of the respondents. This was despite the strong family bonds and community socialization which is characteristic of our Sudanese society. Sensory impairments were only encountered in a few patients.

Routine medical examination to identify risk factors and health problems specific to the elderly age group is essential for providing adequate health services.

This is to allow early diagnosis and treatment of any impending illnesses. It would therefore be pertinent to emphasize the necessity for the availing comprehensive geriatric assessment in addition to the provision of adequate health care services that will provide means for proper management of the health problems of older Sudanese people.

Introduction

Aging is a normal, inevitable biological phenomenon. It is a process of gradual and spontaneous change, resulting in maturation through, childhood, puberty and young adulthood and then decline through middle and late age (1).

Theories of Aging

There are more theories on aging than facts. Aging clearly occurs at different rates for different species and even within the species; aging occurs at different rates among different individuals. The only reasonable conclusion is that aging must be genetically controlled, at least to some extent. Both within and between species, lifestyle and exposures may alter the aging process.

Some proposed theories include the Loose Cannon Theory, Weak Link Theory, Error Catastrophe Theory, Master Clock Theory (1).

World Demographics

The aging population is described by the WHO as being those individuals who are aged 60 or above. The support of this ever-expanding population has become of increasing concern. Today, the population aged 60 years and older is estimated at nearly 1 person in 10 worldwide, with a gender ratio of 302 million women to 247 million men (3).

Although ageing is not considered a priority issue in the Arab region, the absolute number of people aged 65 and above has doubled from 5.7 million in 1980 to 10.4 million in 2000 and is expected to increase to 14 million by 2010 and 21.3 million by 2020.

Physiological Aging Processes in the Body

The ageing process affects all body processes including the immune system (4), nervous systems and...

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