Evaluation of the nutritional status of elderly hospitalized patients

Abstract

Introduction. Human aging is an inevitable process. This is influenced by both internal and environmental factors. It is believed that an elderly person requires constant care in every aspect of life, is disabled and infirm.

Aim. Assessment of nutritional status, knowledge, and awareness of healthy eating among patients over 60 years of age.

Material and methods. The study included a group of 100 elderly hospitalized patients. For the purposes of the study, the diagnostic survey method was used, and the MNA test was the research tool.

Results. The most respondents are people who have a normal nutritional status, and the least malnourished. A higher rate of people with normal nutritional status was noted in the group of women. However, the number of women was slightly higher than the number of males. The highest average screening score was recorded in the 60-65 age group and the highest rate of nutritional status in this age group. Considering the level of education, the most people with a proper nutritional status were recorded in people with secondary education. A higher result of the screening test was recorded in the group of city residents, married people and people who described their economic conditions as good. Studies in elderly patients showed that people with normal body weight were significantly more likely to be malnourished than people who were overweight. Based on the above, it can be concluded that the higher the BMI, the lower the likelihood of the appearance of malnutrition. The highest rate of proper nutritional status was recorded in people with android body type.

Conclusions. Gender, age, education, marital status, place of origin does not affect the nutritional status of patients hospitalized in old age. Economic conditions, WHR results, BMI have an impact on the nutritional status of patients hospitalized in old age.