Perceived family support and undernutrition among older outpatients of a Northern Nigerian hospital: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND: Population ageing is increasing in developing countries like Nigeria, where declining death rates and high birth rates raise public health concerns, particularly regarding undernutrition. The shift toward nuclear family structures has diminished the support older adults receive from family members, compounded by economic challenges. This study seeks to explore the relationship between perceived family support and undernutrition among older adults, aiming to provide insights for enhancing health outcomes through improved family networks. METHODS: The sequential mixed-methods study (cross-sectional study of 145 older adults followed by in-depth interviews of the identified undernourished older adults) was conducted in the Geriatric unit of a General Outpatient Clinic in Kano. Inferential statistical analyses were used to determine the associations between family support and undernutrition. Thematic analysis of the text data from the interviews was done using Nvivo® version 12 pro. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 69.08 ± 7.82 (60-95) years; 76 (52.4%) were females. The prevalence of undernutrition was 15.2% and poor family support was 36.6%. Older age ≥ 75 (aOR=22.59, 95%CI = 5.45-93.57, P < 0.001), and poor family support (aOR=9.31, 95%CI = 2.32-37.42, P = 0.002) were the determinants of undernutrition in this study. Most undernourished older patients reported poor family interaction and satisfaction as the likely reasons for their condition. CONCLUSION: This study reported a high prevalence of undernutrition, with older age and poor family support as significant determinants. Undernutrition, driven by poor family support, financial hardships and limited food variety, emerged as recurring themes in the qualitative arm.