Prevalence of Malnutrition among Hospitalized Elderly Patients in Hospitals Affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Background: Following the improvement in health status and life expectancy in developing countries, the elderly population is increasing. Elderly malnutrition is common across healthcare services and is associated with high costs and adverse outcomes. This study assesses the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly patients in the selected hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly patients aged ۶۵ years or older in ۶ selected hospitals between June and September ۲۰۱۵. Using convenience sampling method, a total of ۴۵۱ patients were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Results: The mean age of the patients was ۷۱.۴۹ ± ۶.۶۰ year and ۵۵.۵% were female. The prevalence of malnutrition was ۲۷.۳%. A total of ۳۰.۸% were at risk of malnutrition, and ۴۱.۹% had a normal nutritional status. There were significant associations between nutritional status and chronic diseases, body mass index (BMI), mobility, psychological condition, mid-arm circumference (MAC), calf circumference, and more than three prescription drugs per day (P < ۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: A satisfactory nutritional status was found among most hospitalized elderly. Future studies with follow-up during and after hospitalization are required.

Keywords:

Prevalence , Elderly , Malnutrition , Hospital