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PREVALENCE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING MALNUTRITION AMONG OLDER PERSONS IN KAMPALA CAPITAL CITY AUTHORITY, UGANDA
Backgroubd: Malnutrition among older persons is a growing public health concern globally and in Uganda. Despite the existence of national nutrition programs, urban poor settings such as Kawempe Division in Kampala remain under-researched. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among older persons aged 60 years and above in Kawempe Division, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was used, involving 327 older persons selected through stratified random sampling across five parishes. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were performed to identify associations between malnutrition and individual, lifestyle, and dietary factors.
Results: Malnutrition prevalence was 15.0%. Multivariate analysis revealed that anorexia [AOR = 0.139, 95% CI: 0.046–0.421, p < .001], physical inactivity [AOR = 0.226, 95% CI: 0.056–0.917, p = .037], and infrequent carbohydrate intake [AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.08–9.89, p = .036] were independently associated with malnutrition. Marital status, alcohol use, and plant protein intake were also linked at bivariate level but not statistically significant after adjustment. Although the malnutrition prevalence was lower than earlier local estimates, it remains a significant concern. Individual and behavioural factors, particularly appetite, physical activity, and dietary patterns, influence nutritional outcomes in older adults. Interventions should prioritise community-based screening, nutrition support, and age-friendly health promotion strategies in urban low-income settings.
How to Cite This Article
Rhoda, N., Christopher, D., Stephen, K., R, M., Israel, K., & Israel, K. (2026). PREVALENCE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING MALNUTRITION AMONG OLDER PERSONS IN KAMPALA CAPITAL CITY AUTHORITY, UGANDA. Academic Journal of the School of Graduate Studies, 9(1), 40-49. https://journal.bugemauniv.ac.ug/index.php/AJSGS/article/view/32