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

Seyedeh Fatemeh Mirbazegh; Shima Hadavi; Sadaf Alipour; Nasrin Abbasi; Khorshid  Vaskooi-Eshkevari; Mojtaba Soltani-Kermanshahi; Soraiya  Ebrahimpour-Koujan; Mehdi Sadeghian

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v8i1.11767

Seyedeh Fatemeh Mirbazegh Nursing Affair Directorship, Vice Chancellorship for Clinical Administration, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shima Hadavi Treatment Department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sadaf Alipour Breast Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nasrin Abbasi Treatment Deputy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Khorshid Vaskooi-Eshkevari Office of Women Affair, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mojtaba Soltani-Kermanshahi Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Soraiya Ebrahimpour-Koujan School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mehdi Sadeghian School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v8i1.11767

Keywords: Prevalence; Elderly; Malnutrition; Hospital

Abstract

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 65 years or older in 6 selected hospitals between June and September 2015. Using convenience sampling method, a total of 451 patients were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Results: The mean age of the patients was 71.49 ± 6.60 year and 55.5% were female. The prevalence of malnutrition was 27.3%. A total of 30.8% were at risk of malnutrition, and 41.9% 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 < 0.001). Conclusion: A satisfactory nutritional status was found among most hospitalized elderly. Future studies with follow-up during and after hospitalization are required.