Malnutrition in the elderly residing in long-term care facilities: a cross sectional survey using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA<sup>®</sup>) screening tool

  • Liska Robb University of the Free State
  • Corinna May Walsh University of the Free State
  • Riette Nel University of the Free State
  • Annica Nel University of the Free State
  • Hester Odendaal University of the Free State
  • Reon van Aardt University of the Free State
Keywords: Malnutrition, Elderly, MNA

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine and compare the nutritional status of the elderly in two long-term care facilities - one situated in a higher socio-economic area and one in a lower socio-economic area. Design: A cross-sectional study was undertaken. Setting: The study setting comprised two urban areas of Bloemfontein, Free State province, South Africa. Subjects: Sixty-two elderly residing in a long-term care facility from both the higher and lower socio-economic areas agreed to participate and met inclusion criteria (N = 124). Outcome measures: The nutritional status of participants was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) questionnaire. Indicators of nutritional status that were assessed as part of the validated MNA® included anthropometry, a global assessment, dietary assessment and subjective assessment. A total score of 24 or more points was interpreted as being wellnourished. Results: Malnutrition was identified in 3.2% of participants from the long-term care facility situated in the higher socio-economic area and 11.3% from the lower socio-economic area. A significantly higher percentage of participants from the lower socioeconomic area were found to be at risk of malnutrition than those from the higher socio-economic area (74.2% vs. 37.1%) [95% CI 19.8%; 51.4%]. Participants from the higher socio-economic area consumed significantly more fluid and protein rich foods than their counterparts. Conclusion: Elderly participants from the lower socio-economic area were more likely to have a poor nutritional status and be at risk of malnutrition. The findings highlight the need to focus on screening for malnutrition in order to promote health and prevent the possible development of nutrition-related co-morbidities in the elderly. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojcn) South Afr J Clin Nutr 2017; DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2016.1248062

Author Biographies

Liska Robb, University of the Free State
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics University of the Free State
Corinna May Walsh, University of the Free State
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics University of the Free State
Riette Nel, University of the Free State
Department of Biostatistics University of the Free State
Annica Nel, University of the Free State
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics University of the Free State
Hester Odendaal, University of the Free State
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics University of the Free State
Reon van Aardt, University of the Free State
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics University of the Free State
Published
2017-06-22
How to Cite
Robb, L., Walsh, C., Nel, R., Nel, A., Odendaal, H., & van Aardt, R. (2017). Malnutrition in the elderly residing in long-term care facilities: a cross sectional survey using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA<sup>®</sup&gt;) screening tool. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 30(2), 17-23. Retrieved from http://sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/1106
Issue
Vol 30 No 2 (2017)
Section
Original Research
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