Factors related to improvement and decline in high and low nutritional risk community‐dwelling Canadian older men: The Manitoba Follow‐up Study (MFUS) (1026.8)

Abstract

Nutritional risk screening is used to identify older adults who may be at increased risk for poor nutritional intake or impaired status. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine if nutritional risk can change over time in community‐dwelling Canadian older men; 2) examine the components of SCREEN II (Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition) that improve among men at high nutritional risk; and 3) examine the components of SCREEN II that decline among men at low nutritional risk. In 2007, 690 MFUS (www.mfus.ca) members were mailed the SCREEN II survey (80% completion rate; mean age = 86.7 years). The survey has been sent annually with up to 5 surveys received from each 2007 respondent, enabling a longitudinal assessment of change in factors among high and low nutritional risk men. Across one year transition periods, 19% of men at high nutritional risk improved their status, 20% of men at low nutritional risk declined, while 61% had no change. Decreased appetite and dietary intake (milk products, meat & alternatives, fluid, fruits and vegetables) were the most common changes for men at low nutritional risk showing decline compared to intentional weight change in men at high risk showing improvement. As factors related to improvement and decline of nutritional risk for community‐dwelling older men are different, targeted screening, follow‐up and strategic interventions are critical.Grant Funding Source: Supported by CIHR, MHRC, Dr. Paul H.T Thorlakson Foundation & University of Manitoba Centre on Aging