PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION/MALNUTRITION RISK AND RELEVANT FACTORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and malnutrition risk of older adults, and identify socio-demographic and medical characteristics that affect the nutritional status of older adults in Konya city centrum. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July. Sociodemographic characteristics and medical history questionnaire prepared by researcher, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in order to answer objectively depression and cognitive disorder questions in MNA were applied with face-to-face interview method. A total of 276 individuals were included in the study. According to the MNA, malnutrition/malnutrition risk was found 39.5%, and 60.5% of the participants were found to have good nutritional status. In those who have at least one chronic disease, use at least one drug regularly, have 'depression' according to GDS, and have cognitive impairment according to MMSE, malnutrition and the risk of malnutrition were significantly higher. In conclusion, A significant proportion of the elderly was found to have malnutrition and malnutrition risk, and those with cognitive impairment and depression had a higher ratio of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition.