커뮤니티케어 대상 노인의 NQ-E 지수 기반 개별영양상담 효과성: 복합만성질환과 삶의 질 개선에 관한 중재 연구

• Published in: Korean journal of community nutrition Vol. 28; no. 6; pp. 480 - 494
• Main Authors: 최윤정, 이지현, 임희숙, 박유경, Yoonjeong Choi, Jihyun Lee, Heesook Lim, Yoo Kyoung Park
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한지역사회영양학회 01.12.2023
• Subjects: 생활과학; nutrition counseling; elderly health; nutrition quotient for the elderly (NQ-E); chronic diseases
• ISSN: 2951-3146

Objectives: This study sought to assess the effectiveness of community-based nutrition counseling on improving nutritional status, managing complex chronic diseases, and enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals with chronic conditions, particularly in older adults with high levels of food insecurity and multiple chronic illnesses. Methods: Thirty elderly subjects with diabetes and hypertension who were registered at local Senior Welfare Center received individualized nutrition counseling, based on their Nutrition Quotient for the Elderly (NQ-E) index. Over a 16-week period, they received tailored counseling and underwent various health and nutritional assessments. The final analysis included 28 participants after two dropped out. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS v28.0. Results: The subjects were over 70, with multiple chronic diseases including diabetes and hypertension and predominantly female. After 16 weeks, significant improvements were observed in the subjects' grip strength, and HbA1c levels, as well as in their NQ-E scores, indicating improved dietary balance and diversity. There were no significant improvements in the 'Moderation' subdomain of the NQ-E index, suggesting that this aspect requires further attention in nutritional counseling. The subjects' nutritional risk scores (NSI) were also significantly decreased, indicating less nutritional risk. Lastly, as measured by the SF-36K, the subjects' quality of life showed significant improvement in several domains including physical role performance and social function. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that tailored nutrition counseling, based on the NQ-E index, can improve elderly health, manage chronic diseases, and enhance quality of life. This approach potentially broadens the scope of community nutritionists' roles within an aging society. However, additional research is necessary to evaluate these interventions' long-term effects and sustainability.