Nutritional risk following a major disaster in a previously well-nourished population: who is vulnerable?
Magkos, F.; Arvaniti, F.; Piperkou, I.; Katsigaraki, S.; Stamatelopoulos, K.; Sitara, M.; Zampelas, A.
Public Health 118(2): 143-145
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-3506 PMID: 15037045 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2003.06.001Document Number: 250657
A study was carried out in Menidi, Greece to assess the nutritional status of the homeless, and identify the groups at risk of undernutrition following the earthquake. Data were collected from 225 subjects (80 males, 145 females) between October 1999 and March 2000. Adults (n=128) and the elderly (n=20) had mean body mass index values above normal (28.2+or-0.8 and 28.5+or-1.5 kg/m2, respectively) and were therefore classified as overweight. The energy intake of children (n=31) and adolescents (n=46) was generally adequate for age (1681+or-144 and 2044+or-196 kcal/day, respectively), and macronutrient intake was also acceptable. In adults, total energy intake was low (1469+or-99 kcal/day), although the majority of people assessed were women (95 females, 33 males). Similar results were obtained for the elderly subjects (1449+or-173 kcal/day). More than 70% of the adults failed to meet the estimated average requirement for energy and approximately 60% of them consumed less dietary protein than the recommended 0.8 g/kg body weight. Total cholesterol was mildly elevated (226+or-8 mg/dl).
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