Nutritional Status and Associated Factors in Institutionalized Elderly

Abstract

Peculiar situations due to physiological changes of aging, the diseases present and psychosocial factors and dietary factors can influence the nutritional status of the elderly. The purpose was to identify nutritional status and associated factors among elderly residents of a long-term institution for the elderly in Belo Horizonte-MG. Sectional study conducted using a representative random sample. Socioeconomic data, nutrient intake and anthropometry were collected and a Mini Nutritional Assessment was conducted. The analysis employed multinomial logistic regression and decision trees. There was high prevalence of overweight (46.1%) among subjects, according to body mass index, as well as risk of malnutrition, according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment (67.3%), and inadequate intake of nutrients. In the decision tree analysis, it was found that the more independent elderly, who received visits and contributed financially less to the institution, had better nutritional status. Inadequate nutritional status associated with social conditions and mobility indicates the need to promote healthy eating habits by a nutrition team in conjunction with nursing staff and other professionals providing comprehensive health care for the elderly.

Micronutrient intake in elderly living in nursing homes

“…Corroborating the result found in this research, other studies reveal deficits in relation to the intake of antioxidant micronutrients in institutionalized elderly (3,7,8,17,19). Antioxidant micronutrients, such as vitamins A and C, zinc and selenium, are particularly important since individuals have a physiological condition at senescence characterized by an increase in the production of reactive species of the oxidative metabolism (RSOM), associated with a reduction of the antioxidant defense systems propitiating an environment of oxidative stress (10,(31)(32)(33).…”

“…Risk of vitamins and minerals deficiencies, such as B vitamins, vitamins C and D and minerals such as calcium, zinc and magnesium, have been reported by few studies involving elderly on Brazilian ILPs (7)(8)(9). Deficiencies of micronutrients are associated with important health problems in elderly, such as the increase of risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), more predisposition to weight loss, especially the reduction of muscular mass and strength, and lower tolerance to support chronic or infectious pathological processes (10,11).…”

Polypharmacy and the risk of Malnutrition among Independently-living Elderly Persons in Trinidad

“…In addition to the reduced food intake (p = 0.08) and supplement use (p = 0.07), persons diagnosed with high cholesterol were more likely than their counterparts without the condition to report psychological challenges (p < 0.05). Each of these may result in dietary behaviours which negatively affect the nutritional status of the elderly since mobility issues may influence procurement as well as preparation of meals, while psychological issues may lead to reduce intake of foods (19). In fact, persons in the present study who felt that they were better off than individuals with the same diseases were less likely to be at increased risk for malnutrition (10.3% vs 48.6%; p < 0.001).…”

Alimentar pessoa: conceção e desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta digital para cuidar de pessoas dependentes

“…A capacidade para se alimentar está descrita como sendo das últimas competências a ser perdida pela pessoa que se torna dependente (Costa, Fonseca, & Lopes, 2012). No entanto, muitos idosos apresentam compromisso nesta função, levando à sua institucionalização e aumentando os custos assistenciais (Costa et al, 2012).…”

“…A capacidade para se alimentar está descrita como sendo das últimas competências a ser perdida pela pessoa que se torna dependente (Costa, Fonseca, & Lopes, 2012). No entanto, muitos idosos apresentam compromisso nesta função, levando à sua institucionalização e aumentando os custos assistenciais (Costa et al, 2012). Osborn e Marshall (1993) referem que a recusa alimentar, a disfagia, a regurgitação nasal, a deglutição demorada (por vezes com acumulação de alimentos na cavidade oral), o não encerramento da boca após colocação dos alimentos ou alterações comportamentais associadas ao ato de se alimentar (virar a cabeça no sentido contrário, bater na colher, cuspir os alimentos) são algumas das dificuldades dos cuidadores de pessoas dependentes.…”