Prevalence and Factors Associated with a High Risk of Malnutrition among Older Adults in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Abstract

Background: Older people are more susceptible to malnutrition. Malnutrition is defined as imbalances and deficiencies of nutrients that result in diminished function. However, malnutrition identification through nutrition screening is not routinely performed at Malaysian health clinics or hospitals. Our study aimed to determine the proportion of older people at high risk of malnutrition and its associated factors.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among older persons aged ≥ 60 years, and the exclusion criteria were older persons with known cases of dementia or the inability to stand and have hand problems that limit the ability to hold the dynamometer. Sociodemographic data and anthropometry assessment were conducted. Malnutrition risk screening tool-hospital, modified Barthel Index and the Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire were used in this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

Results: A total of 200 older persons participated in the study, and the proportion of the high risk of malnutrition was 27 (13.5%). Poor handgrip strength odd ratio (OR) = 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41, 8.98; p = 0.007) and living arrangements (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.31, 16.1; p = 0.017) were significantly associated with a high risk of malnutrition in older persons.

Conclusions: The proportion of older persons at high risk of malnutrition was low (13.5%). Poor handgrip strength and living arrangements are significant factors associated with a high risk of malnutrition among older persons. Nutrition screening can help identify the cause and other factors of malnutrition. The role of healthcare personnel should be emphasised in nutrition screening, as they are commonly the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice.