Nutritional status and diet quality in 7,861 older adults across 15 departments of Honduras – 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the nutritional status and diet quality of 7,861 older adults located in 15 departments of Honduras, covering both the third and fourth ages. Based on a primary data collection design and through the application of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and the Healthy Eating Index (HAI), it describes conditions of malnutrition (8%), risk of malnutrition (44%), and diets that mostly “require modification” (78%). It also incorporates an analysis of sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, educational level, and income, demonstrating that the nutritional vulnerability of this population is associated not only with food availability but also with socioeconomic, cultural, and structural factors. The findings show the coexistence of nutritional deficiencies, reflected in 28% of individuals being underweight, and excess weight, associated with overweight (20%) and obesity (11%). These results confirm the need for comprehensive interventions that promote nutritional education, access to quality health services, and the implementation of public policies with an inclusive and sustainable approach. They also highlight the importance of the participation of academia, the government, and other stakeholders to address the food and nutrition issues of older Hondurans in a coordinated and sustained manner.