Nutrition assessment and geriatric associated conditions among community dwelling Iranian elderly people

Abstract

Background: Although malnutrition risk is well documented in elderly care institutions, few studies have been conducted to address concerns regarding community-dwelling elderly people. This study has been aimed to describe the nutritional status and its related socioeconomic and geriatric factors in community-dwelling elders with malnutrition. Method: For this study, a randomized sampling among people aged 60 has been done (n = 326). Information on nutrition status (full MNA) and health information, like cognitive status (MMSE), daily functional status (ADL and IADL scales) and frailty was obtained. Multiple logistic regression analyses have been carried out, in order to identify the association of demographical and clinical factors with malnutrition. Results: 28.1% of the participants suffered from poor nutrition. In the binary analysis, low MNA scores were associated with increasing age, female gender, lower education level, financial dependence, solitary life, poor selfrated health, multiple physical disabilities and chronic disease, polypharmacy, smoking, functional and cognitive decrease and frailty. In the final model of the multivariate analysis, living alone (OR:1.249,CI:1.105-2.620), multiple physical disabilities (OR:2.183,CI:1.246 ± 3..250) and chronic disease (OR: 2.148,CI:1.167-2.879) were independently associated with malnutrition. Also financial independency (OR:0.625,CI:0.233-0.938), functional ability on ADL (OR: 0.536,CI:0.327-0.976) and IADL (OR:0.319,CI:0.194-0.856), normal cognitive (OR:0.456,CI:0.293-0.934) and no frailty (OR:0.253,CI:0.117-0.729) independently were inversely associated with malnutrition. The model was adjusted for all socio-demographic and health variables that were significantly related in the previous models. Conclusions: Our results indicated a strong correlation between malnutrition and health status. Identifying predictive factors can potentially improve prevention and management strategies used for malnutrition in elderly.

Malnutrition Is Associated With Impaired Functional Status in Older People Receiving Home Care Nursing Service

“…Malnutrition has been linked with poor functional status as it is an important contributor toward increased vulnerability for developing negative health outcomes, loss of independence, and mortality ( 18 , 43 ). Meal preparation and eating disabilities seem to be the main cause of malnutrition in older adults with poor functional status ( 44 ). Our study showed a positive and significant effect of functional status on the MNA score.…”

Inadequate Intake of Energy and Nutrients Is Common in Older Family Caregivers

“…FCs’ impaired nutritional status could compromise the successful care of a CR for several reasons. Decreased nutritional status is related to decreased functional ability [ 2 , 5 ], such as decreased physical performance [ 5 ] and difficulties in daily activities such as shopping and cooking [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Impaired nutritional status is also related to decline in cognition [ 2 , 8 ] and depressive symptoms [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Decreased nutritional status is related to decreased functional ability [ 2 , 5 ], such as decreased physical performance [ 5 ] and difficulties in daily activities such as shopping and cooking [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Impaired nutritional status is also related to decline in cognition [ 2 , 8 ] and depressive symptoms [ 10 , 11 ]. This association between nutritional status and depressive symptoms has also been shown in studies with older FCs [ 1 , 2 , 12 ].…”

Effect of a self‐care training program using smartphones on general health, nutrition status, and sleep quality in the elderly

“…On the other hand, nutrition is another important dimension of self‐care behaviour that affects all aspects of the life of the elderly. Malnutrition problems are serious in the elderly group and can lead to many health concerns, including weakness, a compromised immune system, increased risk of infection, muscle weakness and bone loss, followed by increased falls and increased risk of hospitalization and death 10 . The prevalence of malnutrition among various populations of the elderly is reported to be between 18% and 30% 11 .…”