Dietary Intake Patterns and Associated Chronic Conditions among Elderly Residents in Geriatric Home in Sulaymaniyah City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21928/uhdjst.v10n2y2026.pp160-171Keywords:
Dietary Patterns, Chronic Diseases, Geriatric Home, Elderly, NutritionAbstract
Older adults in geriatric homes are at increased risk of poor dietary patterns and chronic diseases that adversely impact nutritional status and quality of life. This study aimed to assess dietary patterns and chronic diseases among residents of a geriatric home in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from November 30, 2025, to February 28, 2026, at Sulaymaniyah Geriatric Home. A convenient sample of 70 elderly residents was included. Data were collected using interviews, a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessment, and laboratory tests. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0. All residents consumed three institution-prepared meals daily, yet dietary diversity was limited: Only 2.90% consumed fruit and raw vegetables more than twice weekly, 98.60% rarely consumed fish, all residents consumed sweets daily, and 94.30% rarely drank six or more cups of water per day. Overall, 47.10% of participants were overweight and 25.70% were obese. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 65.70%, low iron levels in 32.90%, hypertension in 48.57%, diabetes in 25.71%, and multimorbidity in 65.71%. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and blood glucose significantly predicted systolic blood pressure and hypertension. Residents exhibited monotonous, low-diversity dietary patterns, a high prevalence of vitamin D and iron deficiency, and a substantial chronic disease burden, with BMI, WC, and blood glucose identified as significant predictors of cardiometabolic risk. Routine nutritional assessment, dietary education, and systematic chronic disease screening are required in geriatric homes.
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