BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition is a common problem in the elderly living in nursing homes. A clear understanding of associated factors is missing. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of malnutrition and to determine factors independently associated with malnutrition in this setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multi-centre study was conducted in 23 nursing homes in Flanders, Belgium. The nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data on possible associated factors were collected using validated scales. RESULTS: The study included 1188 elderly residents; 38.7% were at risk for malnutrition and 19.4% were malnourished. The presence of a wound/pressure ulcer, a recent hospitalization (<3 months ago), being involved in a tailored nutritional intervention, and suffering from a lower cognitive state were significantly associated with malnutrition. Receiving additional meals provided by family members was negatively associated with malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is a prevalent problem in nursing homes in Flanders. Systematic screening and well-defined tailored interventions should be further developed and evaluated in this population at risk.
BACKGROUND & AIMS:Malnutrition is a common problem in the elderly living in nursing homes. A clear understanding of associated factors is missing. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of malnutrition and to determine factors independently associated with malnutrition in this setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multi-centre study was conducted in 23 nursing homes in Flanders, Belgium. The nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data on possible associated factors were collected using validated scales. RESULTS: The study included 1188 elderly residents; 38.7% were at risk for malnutrition and 19.4% were malnourished. The presence of a wound/pressure ulcer, a recent hospitalization (<3 months ago), being involved in a tailored nutritional intervention, and suffering from a lower cognitive state were significantly associated with malnutrition. Receiving additional meals provided by family members was negatively associated with malnutrition. CONCLUSION:Malnutrition is a prevalent problem in nursing homes in Flanders. Systematic screening and well-defined tailored interventions should be further developed and evaluated in this population at risk.
Authors: A Pezzana; E Cereda; P Avagnina; G Malfi; E Paiola; Z Frighi; I Capizzi; E Sgnaolin; M L Amerio Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2015-11 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Melissa Batchelor-Murphy; Susan M Kennerly; Susan D Horn; Ryan Barrett; Nancy Bergstrom; Lisa Boss; Tracey L Yap Journal: J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr Date: 2019-05-24
Authors: V Vucea; H H Keller; J M Morrison; L M Duizer; A M Duncan; N Carrier; C O Lengyel; S E Slaughter; C M Steele Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2018 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Heather Keller; Natalie Carrier; Lisa Duizer; Christina Lengyel; Susan Slaughter; Catriona Steele Journal: J Am Med Dir Assoc Date: 2014-03 Impact factor: 4.669