Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Thu, Nov 12, 2026
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Volume 40, Issue 1 (1-2026)
Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026 |
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Tarjibayeva S, Abduldayeva A, Doszhanova G, Bidatova G, Iskakova S. Association Between Lifestyle Adherence and Nutritional Status Among Older Adults in Astana, Kazakhstan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026; 40 (1) :911-924
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-10168-en.html
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-10168-en.html
Department of Research Institute of Preventive Medicine named after Academician Y. Dalenov, Sharmanov National Medical University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan , doszhanova_gulnura@mail.ru
Abstract: (239 Views)
Background: This study evaluated the association between healthy lifestyle adherence and nutritional habits, nutritional status, and anthropometric measurements among older citizens of Astana, Kazakhstan, focusing on dietary patterns and physical activity.
Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out among 100 Astana seniors aged 60–74 years, who were grouped according to their adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 98–item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), including total score and categories. Anthropometric measurements followed standardized procedures.
Results: The results observed significant differences between participants with higher adherence to a healthy lifestyle and those with lower adherence. The group with higher lifestyle adherence was associated with significantly lower BMI (25.08 ± 4.72 kg/m² vs. 30.39 ± 5.70 kg/m², mean difference = 5.31 kg/m², 95% CI: 3.23–7.39, P < 0.001) and a smaller waist circumference (82.64 ± 7.37 cm vs. 105.69 ± 8.32 cm, mean difference = 23.05 cm, 95% CI: 19.93–26.17, P < 0.001). Hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were lower in the higher adherence group (96.60 ± 5.28 vs. 111.45 ± 9.85 cm and 0.88 ± 0.10 vs. 0.96 ± 0.14, respectively; P < 0.001). They also consumed more fruits and vegetables per day (56% vs. 30%, P = 0.009). MNA scores were higher in the higher adherence group (25.8 ± 2.9 vs. 22.1 ± 3.4), with better nutritional status distribution.
Conclusion: Higher lifestyle adherence was associated with more favorable anthropometric indicators and generally healthier dietary practices, although less favorable behaviors related to sugar consumption and salt use were also observed among older adults in Kazakhstan. However, owing to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be inferred or established.
Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out among 100 Astana seniors aged 60–74 years, who were grouped according to their adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 98–item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), including total score and categories. Anthropometric measurements followed standardized procedures.
Results: The results observed significant differences between participants with higher adherence to a healthy lifestyle and those with lower adherence. The group with higher lifestyle adherence was associated with significantly lower BMI (25.08 ± 4.72 kg/m² vs. 30.39 ± 5.70 kg/m², mean difference = 5.31 kg/m², 95% CI: 3.23–7.39, P < 0.001) and a smaller waist circumference (82.64 ± 7.37 cm vs. 105.69 ± 8.32 cm, mean difference = 23.05 cm, 95% CI: 19.93–26.17, P < 0.001). Hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were lower in the higher adherence group (96.60 ± 5.28 vs. 111.45 ± 9.85 cm and 0.88 ± 0.10 vs. 0.96 ± 0.14, respectively; P < 0.001). They also consumed more fruits and vegetables per day (56% vs. 30%, P = 0.009). MNA scores were higher in the higher adherence group (25.8 ± 2.9 vs. 22.1 ± 3.4), with better nutritional status distribution.
Conclusion: Higher lifestyle adherence was associated with more favorable anthropometric indicators and generally healthier dietary practices, although less favorable behaviors related to sugar consumption and salt use were also observed among older adults in Kazakhstan. However, owing to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be inferred or established.
Keywords: Older Adults, Nutritional status, Healthy lifestyle, Physical activity, Anthropometry, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Kazakhstan, Eating habits, Obesity
: Original Research |
Subject:
Nutrition
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