Nutritional and Clinical Profiles of Elderly People with Diabetes and Hypertension at Conakry University Hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: In Guinea, there is few data on dietary practices socio-economic and clinical characteristics of elderly diabetics and hypertensives. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of people aged 60 years and over, seen in consultation or hospitalised in Conakry University hospitals during the period from 5 September to 15 December 2023 inclusively. Results : Among the 320 subjects included in the study, there were more men (50.6%). The average age was 67 ± 7.69 years; 53.43% had hypertension and 46.57% had diabetes. Sex was significantly associated with diabetes (p = 0.035). Women in the study were more affected by diabetes (55.7%), 64.4% of diabetic subjects were married and more than 64% of them had dependent children. 26.2% of diabetics were not employed; 85.9% had an income; 34.9% had an income of less than one million Guinean francs per month and 74.5% of them had 3 meals a day. Physical activity, 24-hour recall for lunch (p < 0.017), consumption of dairy products and sugger-rich foods were significantly associated with diabetes (p < 0.021 and p < 0.002, respectively). Hypertension affected more men (50.9%) than women; 73.7% of hypertensive subjects were in the 60 - 69 age group; 67.8% were married, 58.5% were not educated. 70.2% of hypertensive subjects were taking care of children, 63.7% had 3 meals a day. Conclusion: Effective management of diabetes and hypertension in the elderly should necessarily involve nutrition education in hospitals.