Body Mass Index, Haemoglobin Level and Helminthic infection among the Active, Rural Elderly People in Kelantan

Abstract

A study was carried out on the elderly people in rural villages of Kelantan to determine the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED), anaemia and helminthic infection. A total of 155 respondents (N = 155), 75 male and 80 female, active, apparently health elderly aged 60 - 85 years participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements which include weight and height were carried out and blood and stool samples were collected. Haemoglobin level, serum iron and helminthic ova were determined. The prevalence of CED (BMI < 20.0 kg/m2), mild and moderate aneamia (Hb level between 8-<12 gm/dl), and helminthic infection among the elderly are 36.6%, 33.2% and 57.3%, respectively.