Abstract

Background: Elderly population is one of the most vulnerable groups that are at risk of malnutrition. A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of the geriatric population living with families and living in old age homes in the city of Lahore Pakistan. Objectives: To assess the nutritional status of the geriatric population living with families versus those living in old age homes or nursing homes.

Methods: Two hundred elderly individuals above the age of 60 years were included in this study for macronutrients intake calculations, clinical assessment, anthropometric assessments, Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid Arm Circumferences (MAC) and Calf Circumferences (CC). The Mini Nutritional Assessment tool (MNA) was used in the assessment process.

Results: The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) results revealed the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly individuals living in nursing homes to be 8.0% higher as compared to those living with families which similarly have a 3.0% higher risk of malnutrition. Intake of carbohydrates, protein, energy, were significantly higher in the geriatric population living with families when compared to the geriatric population living in old age homes (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There is a high risk of malnutrition in the geriatric population living in nursing homes and illustrated the need for health support and nutritional interventions.

Keywords: Nutritional Status; Geriatrics; Malnutrition; Mini- Nutritional assessment