Introduction:
The studies on malnutrition are conducted in elderly with the prevalence
ranging from 1% to 83%. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence
of malnutrition and the associated factors in the patients receiving homecare Method: The participants followed at
home-care unit between January 2015 and June 2015 were enrolled into the study.
Socio-demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, laboratory markers, and
the scores of mini nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF) and mini
nutritional assessment (MNA) scales were retrospectively retrieved from the
patient’s files for all participants. MNA-SF is used as a screening test to
assess the nutritional status, and the participants having a score of <12
are subjected to the complete MNA test. According to the MNA scores, the participants
are classified as following: >23 normal nutritional status, 17-23 risk of
malnutrition, and <17 malnutrition. Results:
A total of 146 participants were enrolled. The MNA-SF score was <12 in 105
(71.9%) of the participants. Based on the MNA scores, normal nutrition was
detected in 51 (34.9%), risk of malnutrition was detected in 53 (36.3%), and
malnutrition was detected in 42 (28.8%) of the participants. Being completely
bedridden, having decubitus ulcers, and using enteral nutrition support products
were significantly higher in the participants with malnutrition (p<0.001,
p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Nevertheless, while 26 (61.9%) of
malnutrition participants have been using enteral nutrition support product,
only 3 (5.7%) of the participants with the risk of malnutrition have been using
enteral nutrition support product. Moreover, albumin was significantly lower
but creatinine was significantly higher in those with malnutrition (p=0.003 and
p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion:
Malnutrition is frequently seen in the individuals receiving homecare and it
becomes an important health problem as it begins insidiously and treated not
properly. Such participants need to be screened regularly for malnutrition and
treated early as soon as the risk emerges.
Giriş:
Primary Language | English |
---|---|
Subjects | Internal Diseases |
Journal Section | Orijinal Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | June 18, 2019 |
Submission Date | November 5, 2018 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 Volume: 13 Issue: 2 |
English or Turkish manuscripts from authors with new knowledge to contribute to understanding and improving health and primary care are welcome.