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Malnutrition in geriatric patients: a neglected problem?
Author(s) -
Elmståhl Sölve,
Persson Mats,
Andren Margareta,
Blabolil Vlasta
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2648.1997.00404.x
Subject(s) - medicine , malnutrition , basal metabolic rate , energy expenditure , odds ratio , gerontology
The nutrient intake in geriatric long‐stay patients and the mortality risk associated with low energy intake were studied in 61 patients, 43 women and 18 men, with a mean age of 87 years, at a geriatric long‐stay care hospital during a 6‐month follow‐up. Dietary intake was assessed with a 9‐day dietary record. Energy expenditure was calculated assuming a physical activity level of 1.33 × basal metabolic rate (BMR), predicted from equations given by FAO/WHO. Mean energy intakes were 1557 kcal in men and 1280 kcal in women; 84% of the patients had an intake below estimated energy expenditure and 30% were below estimated BMR. Only 5% received dietary supplement. Eleven out of the 61 patients died during the follow‐up and the deceased had lower energy intake than the others (1185 kcal vs 1401 kcal, P <0.05). An energy intake below median (1378 kcal) was associated with an age adjusted increased 6‐month mortality risk, odds ratio 12.5. A high proportion of geriatric long‐stay patients report dietary intake far below present recommendations and are thereby at risk for having/developing malnutrition. Improved surveillance of geriatric long‐stay patients'dietary habits seems justified.