• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.504-515
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition risk and malnutrition among the elderly is a public health concern. In combating this health-related problem, it is critically important to evaluate the risk factors in a multidimensional way and to apply appropriate nutrition intervention based on the results. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 elderly patients (32.6% male, 67.4% female) in a geriatric outpatient clinic of a hospital in Turkey. Nutritional questionnaires that incorporated the 24-h recall method were applied to determine general characteristics of patients, their health status, nutritional habits, and daily energy and nutrient intakes. Mini Nutritional Assessment was used to determine nutritional status. Relevant anthropometric measurements were obtained. RESULTS: The subjects' mean age was 76.1 ± 7.0 years, and the prevalence of malnutrition (n = 7) and risk of malnutrition (n = 53) among the 215 subjects was 3.2% and 24.7%, respectively. Patients with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition were found to be single, have a depression diagnosis, in an older age group, have less appetite, more tooth loss, have more frequent swallowing/chewing difficulty, and have more frequent meal skipping. In addition, mean daily energy, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folates, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron intake, and water consumption were found to be statistically significantly low in subjects with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. After performing regression analysis to determine confounding factors, malnutrition risk was significantly associated with marital status, loss of teeth, appetite status, and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Routine nutritional screening and assessment of the elderly should be performed. If nutritional deficiencies cannot be diagnosed early and treated, self-sufficiency in the elderly may deteriorate, resulting in increased institutionalization.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.284-296
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare 24-h diet recall (DR) and 24-h urine collection (UC) for estimating sodium and potassium intakes and their ratio (Na/K), identifying factors associated with sodium and potassium intakes and Na/K, and identifying those who were likely to underestimate sodium and potassium intakes by DR. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 640 healthy adults aged 19-69 yrs completed a questionnaire survey, salty taste assessment, anthropometric measurement, two 24-h DRs, and two 24-h UCs. RESULTS: The mean sodium and potassium intakes and Na/K were 3,755 mg/d, 2,737 mg/d, and 1.45 according to DR, and 4,145 mg/d, 2,812 mg/d, and 1.57 according to UC, with percentage differences of -9.4%, -2.7%, and -7.6% in the values between the two methods, respectively. Men, older adults, smokers, obese individuals, those who consumed all the liquid in the soup, and those who were found to be salty in the salty taste assessment consumed significantly more sodium; older adults, the heavy- activity group, and obese individuals consumed more potassium; and men, younger adults, smokers, and obese individuals had a significantly higher Na/K, according to UC. Compared with UC, DR was more likely to underestimate sodium intake in older adults, smokers, obese individuals, those who consumed all the liquid in the soup, and those who consumed eating-out/delivery food at least once a day, and potassium intake in older adults, the heavy-activity group, and obese individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The mean sodium and potassium intakes and Na/K estimated by DR were comparable to those measured by UC. However, the association of sodium and potassium intakes with sociodemographic and health-related factors showed inconsistent results when estimated by DR and UC. Factors influencing the underestimation of sodium intake by DR compared to UC should be further investigated.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.708-716
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of low-income urban elders by diversified ways, and to analyze the risk factors for malnutrition. Methods: The participants in this study were 183 low-income elders registered at a visiting healthcare facility in a public health center. Data were collected using anthropometric measurements, and a questionnaire survey. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$-test, t-test, Fisher's exact test, multiple logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: Regarding the nutritional status of low-income elders as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), 10.4% of the elders were classified as malnourished; 57.4% as at high risk for malnutrition; and 32.2% as having normal nutrition levels. The main factors affecting malnutrition for low-income elders were loss of appetite (OR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.16~9.56) and difficulties in meal preparation (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.13~4.88). Conclusion: In order to effectively improve nutrition in low-income urban elders, it is necessary to develop individual intervention strategies to manage factors that increase the risk of malnutrition and to use systematic approach strategies in local communities in terms of a nutrition support system.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.387-397
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate nutritional status and fatigue, and to identify the relationship between nutritional status and fatigue in gynecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: Participants were 106 outpatients who had uterine, ovary, or breast cancer and a descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Nutritional indicators including biochemical and anthropometric measures, the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scale, and the Piper's Revised Fatigue Scale were completed. Results: About thirty-nine percent of the patients were malnourished based on the SGA. Serum hemoglobin and total lymphocyte levels were less than the normal ranges, although anthropometrics were normal. The women experienced moderate fatigue with a mean score of $5.84{\pm}2.00$. Nutritional status was significantly different by age, education, employment status, and monthly income. The women also had different nutritional status and fatigue depending on the type of cancer and chemotherapy. Fatigue was significantly related to SGA scores, serum hemoglobin, triceps skinfold thickness and mid-arm muscle circumference. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight an urgent need to provide adequate nutritional support and fatigue management with individualized strategies for gynecological cancer patients on chemotherapy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.110-114
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• 2020

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a common condition in obese children. However, its effect on glucose and lipid metabolism in obese children remains controversial. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the association between SH and metabolic parameters. Methods: A total of 215 obese children and adolescents aged 6-18 years were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The patients' anthropometric measurements such as thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), fasting plasma glucose, and insulin levels, as well as homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and lipid profiles were evaluated. The patients were allocated to the SH group (fT4 normal, TSH 5-10 mIU/L) (n=77) or the control group (fT4 normal, TSH<5 mIU/L) (n=138). The glucose and lipid metabolisms of the 2 groups were compared. Results: SH was identified in 77 of 215 patients (36%). Mean body mass index was similar in both groups. The mean serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglyceride (TG) levels were higher and the mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower in the SH group than in the control group (P=0.007, P=0.004, P=0.01, and P=0.02, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between TSH level and insulin level, HOMA-IR, and TG level. Conclusion: SH was identified in some of the obese children and adolescents. A clear association was observed between SH, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in obese children.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1338-1346
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• 1998

North Korea has been experiencing a serious food shortage. However, the extent and magnitude of malnutrition and health problems are virturally unknown because a nationwide food and nutritional survey has never been conducted. To get a better udnerstanding of the situation., an exhaustive literature search on the health and nutritiona conditions of North Koreans was performed. We also obtained anthropometric data on 274 North Korean Defectors who are recently resettlers in the South. Some(137) measurements were taken at the time of entry to the South, and the remaining data was from the health and nutrition mail survey conducted by us on North Korean refugeee re-settlers. Health and inutritional status of North Koreans was found to be less than desirable as shown in high infant mortality rates, high mortality and morbidity rates of malnutriton-related infectious deseases, and smaller body sizes. Striking differences were noted in all of the above health and nutrition indicators between north and South Koreans. Considering the fact that North and South Koreans are homogeneous in their genetic back-ground, ours study results clearly demonstrate that the health and nutrition of North Koreas has deteriorated with the dhronic food shortage, which might have sorsened with a recent food crissi. The smaller and thinner adult stature proevailing in North Korea could play a significant negative role in the country's economy, since lower lean body mass has been associated with reduced work productivity that could hinder economic growth and development.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.164-174
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical growth and developmental status of infants and children of married immigrant women. Methods: The participants were 92 infants and children aged from birth to 6 yr whose mothers were married immigrant women living in one rural area. Physical growth and developmental status were evaluated by using anthropometric assessment, and Korean Denver II developmental screening test. Results: Of the participants, 10.8% were below the 3rd percentile for weight, 13.0% for length, 5.4% for head circumference, and from 69.6% to 79.3% were distributed below the 50th percentile on growth charts. Further, 18.5% were classified as having questionable development. Factors related to low physical growth in infants and children were mother's weight and mother's level in Korean language classes. Conclusion: The physical growth and developmental status of children is vulnerable and serious. The study results suggest a need for regular growth and developmental evaluations. Political support is important for these mothers. In addition, there also is a need to develop early intervention strategies to promote growth and development of the infants and children of these married immigrant women.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.193-199
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• 1983

Clinical and epidemiologic data point to a causal interrelationship between nutritional deficiency and infectious illness. Both are major contributors to childhood morbidity and mortality, particulary in underprivileged population groups. Protein-calorie malnutrition depress a variety of immune funtions. Delayed hypersensitivity and number of T-lymphocytes are consistently reduced. The interrelationship between nutritional status and immune response was studied in 80 children aged under 6 years. According to the anthropometric assessment based on weight for height for age, 36 children were classified as normal, 22 as morderate malnutrition, and 22 as severe malnutrition. The following determinations were made : hemeglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin, immunoglobulin G, complement 3, and WBC levels. Results indicate that levels of Hb, Hct, serum albumin, and C3 concentration were decreased in moderate and severe malnutrition children. However, levels of IgG and WBC were not affected by the nutritional status. It is suggested that nutritional status has more profound effects on complement system than humoral immunity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.454-463
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to assess the biochemical nutritional status of the long-lived elderly. The subjects of the study were 148 elderly people of age over 85 years living in Kyungpook Sung-Ju area who have no problem in daily living. The anthropometric measurement and biochemical assessment of the blood sample were carried out. The subject group for this study was composed of 25.9% males and 74.1% females, the average age being 87 years old. The mean Body Mass Index(BMI) of the male and female subjects were 20.7 and 21.2 respectively. The average body fat amounts of the male and female were 21.4% and 29.8% respectively, and the average waist/hip ratios were 0.9 and 0.7 respectively. The mean levels of the total blood protein and albumin of the subjects were in the normal ranges. The mean levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride were 167.9mg /dL and 123.9mg/dL respectively. The mean levels of the subjects below normal range of hemoglobin were 63.5%. Serum levels of antioxidant nutrients were very poor. The mean levels of serum lipid peroxidation products were 3.3nmol/mL. BMI and WHR were positively correlated with the serum cholesterol levels. The resuts showed that the long-lived elderly had good nutritional status except for antioxidant nutrients status. In addition antioxidant supplement for long-lived elderly may be effective to maintain healthy life in later years.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2005

This study was performed to examine the change of lipid metabolism and immune function caused by antioxidant material in hypercholesterolemic elderly women (serum total cholesterol $\geq$200 mg/dI). The subjects were 51 elderly women aged over 60 yrs. They were divided into antioxidant nutrients complex group (n = 25) and spirulina group (n= 26). Antioxidant nutrients complex (1 capsule/day) and spirulina (7.5 mg/day) were used for intervention for 8weeks. All the subjects were fully informed the purpose of study and gave written consents to participate in this study. Dietary intakes, anthropometric indices and blood assessment for lipid, immune function and antioxidant status were measured before and after supplementation. Either antioxidant nutrients complex or spirulina supplementation for 8weeks resulted in improved antioxidant status evidence by increased TAS (total antioxidant status) and decreased TB-ARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) . This intervention led to decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, oxLDL, apolipoprotein B, IL-6 and IL-6 production by peripheral blood lymphocyte. In conclusion, the lipid profiles, immune function and antioxidant capacity were improved after either antioxidant nutrient complex or spirulina supplementation for hypercholesterolemic women. Therefore, improving antioxidant status using supplemen-tation could provide means of controlling cardiovascular disease in Korean elderly people.