Undernutrition and associated factors in a Portuguese older adult community

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of undernutrition in older adults aged >= 75 years living in communities and to identify the main factors independently associated with undernutrition. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sample of family physicians' medical records of 86 older adults aged >= 75 years living in the community studied. Their nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Results A total of 10.5% of the elderly were undernourished and 41.9% were at undernutrition risk. According to the logistic regression multivariable model, the following characteristics: being widowed (OR=6.7; 95% CI=1.8-24.6); being institutionalized (OR=12.6; 95% CI=1.7-90.5); or having a negative self-perception of health (OR=15.0; 95% CI=3.3-69.1) were independently associated with a significant increase of undernutrition risk. Conclusion The current study shows that undernutrition is highly prevalent in Portuguese older adults aged >= 75 years living in communities. The major factors independently associated with their undernutrition are being widowed and institutionalized and having negative self-perception of health. The results obtained show that undernutrition and its associated factors are very serious problems for older adults and a challenge in their health care.