Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior
Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026)

Ageing, Education, and Protein Intake Shape Nutritional Status in Indonesian Older Adults: A Population-Based Study

Akhmad Azmiardi (Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Mulawarman)
Muhamad Zakki Saefurrohim (Mulawarman University)
Ratih Wirapuspita Wisnuwardani (Mulawarman University)
Irfansyah Baharuddin Pakki (Mulawarman University)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: The elderly population in Indonesia has increased rapidly, accompanied by health challenges such as malnutrition, which can lead to sarcopenia and physical weakness. Body weight is one indicator of nutritional status, which can be influenced by characteristics and nutrient intake, such as protein. This study aims to analyze the influence of age, gender, education and protein intake on nutritional status in the elderly in Indonesia. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) involved 2,908 individuals aged 60 and above. Sociodemographic variables (age, gender, education level, and marital status) were measured using a questionnaire, while protein intake was measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Bivariate data analysis was used to determine the relationship between age, gender, and protein intake and nutritional status and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors influencing poor nutritional status. Results: Age ≥ 71 years (aOR= 2.14; 95%CI= 0.56 to 0.96; p<0.001), male (aOR=1.43; 95%CI= 0.16 to 0.55; p= 0.003) increase the risk of poor nutritional status, while education > Senior High School (aOR=0.22; 95%CI= -0.22 to -0.77; p<0.001), and high protein intake (aOR= 0.80; 95%CI= -0.42 to -0.02; p =0.033) are protective factors for poor nutritional status in the elderly. Conclusion: Age over 70 years and being male increases the risk of poor nutritional status, while high levels of education and protein intake reduce the risk of poor nutritional status in the elderly in Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

thejhpb

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior (JHPB) is an electronic, open-access, double-blind and peer-reviewed international journal, focusing on health promotion and health-related behaviors. It began its publication on May 21, 2015. The journal is published four times yearly. It seeks to understand ...