Research Information System
Geriatric Care, vol.6, no.4, pp.106-110, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship between chronic diseases and nutrition in the older adults in a nursing home.
In 2014 and 2019, we investigated older
people aged 60 years and over living in a
nursing home in Izmir and who agreed to
participate and could perform self-care. A
26-item questionnaire that focuses on
sociodemographic, socioeconomic and
chronic disease characteristics, and the
Turkish version of Mini Nutritional
Assessment Test-Short Form were applied
using the face-to-face method.
In 2014, 68.9% of the older had no malnutrition risk, 23% had malnutrition risk, and
8.1% had malnutrition. The women had a
higher malnutrition risk and actual malnutrition than men (P<0.05). Malnutrition was
most common in 75-84 years of age. In 2019,
41.6% of the older had malnutrition risk,
whereas 7.8% had actual malnutrition. No
difference was found between malnutrition
and malnutrition risk, between women and
men and between age and sex (P>0.05). At
both times, malnutrition risk increased in
those with chronic disease (P<0.05). At least
one chronic disease (high blood pressure,
heart disease, diabetes, etc.) was found in
67.6% of the older. Meanwhile, 70.1% had
been previously hospitalized for some reason.
Malnutrition risk increases with old
age. An adequate and well-balanced diet is
important for protecting health and increasing longevity and quality of life in old age.
Older people and nursing home employees
need to be trained on the relationship and
risks of chronic disease and malnutrition.