Perceived family support and undernutrition among older outpatients of a Northern Nigerian hospital: A mixed methods study

Abdulgafar Lekan Olawumi, Mohammed Abubakar Abiso, Zainab Abdulkadir, Aishatu Idris Umar, Lukman Abolaji Mohammed, Afisulahi Abiodun Maiyegun, Tiri Titilope Ogunyele, Hussaini Yusuf Magaji, Zainab Abdulazeez Umar, Abdullahi Ibrahim Haruna, Aliu Rasaki, Abdullahi Kabir Suleiman, Muazu Shuaibu Ishaqa and Ibrahim Danjummai Gezawa

PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 9, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Population ageing is increasing in developing countries like Nigeria, where declining death rates and high birth rates raise public health concerns, particularly regarding undernutrition. The shift toward nuclear family structures has diminished the support older adults receive from family members, compounded by economic challenges. This study seeks to explore the relationship between perceived family support and undernutrition among older adults, aiming to provide insights for enhancing health outcomes through improved family networks. Methods: The sequential mixed-methods study (cross-sectional study of 145 older adults followed by in-depth interviews of the identified undernourished older adults) was conducted in the Geriatric unit of a General Outpatient Clinic in Kano. Inferential statistical analyses were used to determine the associations between family support and undernutrition. Thematic analysis of the text data from the interviews was done using Nvivo® version 12 pro. Results: The mean age of respondents was 69.08 ± 7.82 (60–95) years; 76 (52.4%) were females. The prevalence of undernutrition was 15.2% and poor family support was 36.6%. Older age ≥ 75 (aOR=22.59, 95%CI = 5.45–93.57, P

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0319626

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319626

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