ABSTRACT

This study aimed to predict weight loss in older persons using Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ) and Simplified Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) in Afikpo South Local Government of Ebonyi State. A total of three hundred and fifty two subjects comprising of 137 males and 215 females aged 65 years and above who gave their inform consent were recruited as respondents. Data were collected from questionnaires administered on background information and socioeconomic status, anthropometric indices such as weight, height, Body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), waist circumference (WC) Waist hip ratio (WHR) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements were assessed, then after a six-months period, the weight of the respondents were re-assessed to measure their weight loss. Descriptive analysis was presented as mean, standard deviation and frequency. Linear regression analysis was used to derive the weight loss prediction equations and correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the questionnaires, socioeconomic and anthropometric status of the respondents. The internal consistency of the scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.  The mean BMI for men was 23.2±3.6.6kg/m², whereas that of women was 22.9±5.9.  50.9.0% 0f the respondents were underweight while only 8.8% were overweight. Few (11.6%) and 5.4% had increased and substantially increased risk of cardiovascular diseases respectively with waist circumference. The Cronbach’s coefficient for CNAQ was 0.89 and SNAQ was 0.85. For all the items in both CNAQ and SNAQ there was a significant difference between the questionnaire variables and gender. In CNAQ the prevalence of significant weight loss (poor appetite) was 53.4% with more females 71.6% at higher risk than males (24.8%). Similarly, for SNAQ more females (76.4%) were at greater risk than males (49.6%). The prevalence for significant risk of weight loss using SNAQ was 65.9%. There was high correlation between CNAQ and SNAQ (r =.969, p =0.000). There was a negative correlation between both the CNAQ and SNAQ and the weight loss status of the respondents.  (CNAQ and Weight loss status r = -.560, p=0.000; SNAQ and weight loss status r = -.525, p= 0.000). There was negative correlation between gender and weight loss but no correlation existed between gender and the appetite scores. There was positive correlation between educational qualification and weight loss (r=.224, p= .000) and there was positive correlation between educational qualification and the appetite scores (r=.339; p= .000 for CNAQ; r =.345; p=.000 for SNAQ). There was also a negative correlation between age, weight loss and the appetite scores. There was also significance relationship between average monthly income, weight loss and appetite scores. There was significant relationship (p<0.005) between the appetite questionnaires and initial weight measurement, weight measurement after six months, waist circumference, MUAC, BMI and weight loss status and the appetite questionnaires scores. There was no significant relationship (p>0.005) between WHR and CC and the appetite questionnaires. The prediction of weight loss using CNAQ and SNAQ, showed a strong significance. For CNAQ, the respondents weight loss was predicted by their appetite (β=-.30, t = - 5.66, P < 0.000), the model explained 90% of variance in weight loss scores. Likewise, using SNAQ the respondents weight loss was predicted by their appetite score (β = -.25, t =-4.71, P < 0.000), and model explained 64% of variance in weight loss.  The CNAQ and SNAQ has been proved as a viable tool in predicting weight loss in the elderly, and should therefore be incorporated as part of routine assessment of older persons in hospitals, clinics institutional homes and communities and should also be adopted during emergency situations, in refugee camps and in internally displaced persons (IDP) camp for quick assessment.