Factors Related to Nutritional Status of Single Older Residents in Semi-Mountainous Rural Regions of Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Japan’s notably high aging rate presents the risk of malnutrition. This study aimed to clarify the nutritional status and factors related to the nutritional status of single older residents in a semi-mountainous rural region of Japan. Using a cross-sectional study design, surveys were administered to older adults in the semi-mountainous rural region in the area of Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Factors associated with a risk of malnutrition were identified using binomial logistic regression analysis. In addition, nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). Among 53 participants, the MNA-SF score was 12.1 ± 1.5 (mean ± standard deviation), and 71.7% had a normal nutritional status. We observed that participation in local residents’ association gatherings (odds ratio [OR]: 7.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–47.01) and risk of depression/anxiety (OR: 12.77, 95% CI: 1.99–81.94) were associated with an increased risk of malnutrition, whereas social interaction with friends (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.76) were associated with a decreased risk. The nutritional status was normal overall. Community health workers should share information on the health of residents and promote social events to enable older residents living alone to continue leading healthy lifestyles.