Kardiyovasküler Hastalığı Olan Yaşlı Bireylerin Beslenme Durumunun Saptanması ve Hastanede Kalış Süresi ile Besin Tüketimi İlişkisi

Abstract

Objective: Elderly hospitalized patients have increased risks for malnutrition, long hospital stay and complications. The objectives of this study were to assess the nutritional status of elderly (65 years and older) cardiovascular patients and to reveal its association with length of stay and food intake. Material and Methods: A total of 211 patients (119 males and 92 females) were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements were done, full MNA® form was applied to assess nutritional status, and food consumption was questioned after admission to the hospital. The days following the admission, the patients' food consumptions were assessed, and this assessment was repeated during their stay in hospital. Full MNA® form was applied again at discharge. Results: Out of total, 48.4 % of patients were well nourished, while 43.10 % were at risk of malnutrition and 8.50 % were malnourished. Malnourished and at risk patients consumed less amounts of meat, poultry, fish (p=0.010), eggs, lentils (p=0.032), fruits and vegetables (p=0.024), and had longer lengths of stay (p<0.001) at hospital compared to well-nourished patients. The analysis of food consumption revealed that micronutrient intake was significantly more inadequate in patients with malnutrition and at risk for malnutrition when compared to the patients with normal nutritional status. Conclusion: In this study, risk and prevalence of malnutrition among elderly cardiac patients was found high (51.6%). In addition to this, micronutrient intake was significantly more inadequate in patients with malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition, and these patients had longer lengths of stay compared to the patients with a normal nutritional status. It could be recommended that nutritional status of elderly people should be assessed and monitored at home, on their admission to hospital and during their stay in hospital.