Evaluation of Malnutrition and Depression in Elderly People: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey

Background/Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of possible malnutrition in a population-based sample of community-dwelling older people, and to examine its relationship with depression and some variables. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study conducted in Sivrihisar district of Eskişehir, Turkey. Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and over were included in the study. Cluster sampling method used. Data was collected by door to door in 4 neighborhoods determined by randomly. Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (for malnutrition), Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL, for dependency) and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (for depression) were used. Chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis were used for the analyzes. Results: The study group consisted of 220 (38%) women and 359 (62%) men. The mean age was 68.9±6.4 (ranged 60-93). Frequency of possible malnutrition was 25% (n=145). Being 80 years of age or older (OR:3.24, CI:1.53-6.85), having a primary and lower education level of chronic illness using dentures and probable depression are important risk factors for possible malnutrition. Those with possible malnutrition had lower scores on ADL (z=8.982; p =0.001). Conclusion: Malnutrition was found to be an important health problem for the elderly. The frequency of possible malnutrition is higher in individuals with depression. Those with possible malnutrition have higher level of dependency.