Abstract
About this talk
Malnutrition is a common condition among older adults and is frequently associated
with inadequate dietary intake as well as the progression of various chronic diseases.
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and identify its
associated risk factors among hospitalized elderly patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 93 patients aged 65 years and older who were
hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Hospital of Sidi Bel Abbes,
Northwestern Algeria. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric
measurements (weight, height, and body mass index [BMI]), biochemical parameters
(serum albumin level), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire.
Results: The study population consisted predominantly of women (54.8%), with a mean age
of 75.6 ± 7.4 years. The most prevalent comorbidity was hypertension (54.8%),
followed by diabetes mellitus (45.2%). The mean hospital stay was 6.6 ± 2.4 days, and
patients were taking an average of 4.2 ± 1.9 medications. The mean BMI was 22.9 ±
4.7 kg/m², while the mean serum albumin concentration was 35.4 ± 6.5 g/L. Low BMI
and hypoalbuminemia were observed in 34.4% and 50.5% of malnourished patients,
respectively. According to the MNA, 38.7% of patients were malnourished, whereas
52.7% were at risk of malnutrition.
Conclusions: The MNA appears to be the most sensitive tool for assessing nutritional status in this population. Early identification of malnutrition using the MNA may contribute to
improved nutritional management and help reduce the adverse consequences of
malnutrition in hospital settings.
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