Assessment of Nutritional Status of Hospitalized Elderly Patients in Makkah Governorate
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2012.984.990Keywords:
Elderly, MNA test, nutrition statusAbstract
A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of a sample of 102 recently hospitalized elderly patients in general hospitals at Makkah Governorate by using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Among the studied patients, 22.6% were classified as malnourished, 57.8% were at risk of malnutrition and 19.6% were as well nourished. Low body mass index, history of weight loss during the last 3 months, living independently, taking > 3 prescription of drugs per day and presence of neuropsychological problems were associated with malnutrition (p<0.05). The elderly classified as malnourished and those at risk of malnutrition and well nourished differed significantly in all dietary assessment variables of the MNA score (p<0.05). It is concluded that malnutrition is a common problem among older people. MNA test should be performed for elderly upon admission to hospitals and more attention need to be paid to this vulnerable group of people.
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