Association of Food Insecurity With Malnutrition and Cognitive Status in Elderly Referred to Outpatient Clinics of Milad Hospital in Tehran

Abstract

Food insecurity can cause adverse effects on the physical and mental health of the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the association among food insecurity, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment in elderly. To assess malnutrition, cognitive status, and food insecurity, the questionnaires Mini Nutritional Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale were used. There was a significant association between food insecurity and malnutrition (odds ratio [OR] = 5.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18-13.17; P < .001). The odds of cognitive impairment in the elderly with food insecurity were also more than 4 times higher than those with food security (OR = 4.35; CI, 1.78-10.59; P = .01). Because of the association between food insecurity, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment, food security in the elderly should be considered.