Health and Social Factors Associated with Nutrition Risk: Results from Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ)

Abstract

Objectives: To establish the prevalence of high nutrition risk and associated health and social risk factors for New Zealand Māori and non-Māori in advanced age.

Design: A cross sectional analysis of inception cohorts to LiLACS NZ.

Setting: Bay of Plenty and Lakes region of the North Island, New Zealand.

Participants: 255 Māori and 400 non- Māori octogenarians.

Measurements: Nutrition risk was assessed using a validated questionnaire Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN II). Demographic, social, physical and health characteristics were established using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Health related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed with the SF-12, depressive symptoms using the GDS-15.

Results: Half (49%) of Māori and 38% of non-Māori participants were at high nutrition risk (SCREEN II score <49). Independent risk factors were for Māori younger age (p=0.04), lower education (p=0.03), living alone (p<0.001), depressive symptoms (p=0.01). For non- Māori high nutrition risk was associated with female gender (p=0.005), living alone (p=0.002), a lower physical health related quality of life (p=0.02) and depressive symptoms (p=0.002).

Conclusion: Traditional risk factors apply to both Māori and non-Māori whilst education as indicative of low socioeconomic status is an additional risk factor for Māori. High nutrition risk impacts health related quality of life for non-Māori. Interventions which socially facilitate eating are especially important for women and for Māori to maintain cultural practices and could be initiated by routine screening.