title: High rates of malnutrition in older adults receiving different levels of health care in Lleida, Catalonia: an assessment of contributory factors.
abstract: The aim of this study was to define the factors associated with the presence or risk of malnutrition in older adults (>65 years of age) attending health care centers in Lleida, Catalonia, using a cross-sectional study approach. Nutritional parameters assessed included the Mini Nutritional Assessment Scale, sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, functional and cognitive status, swallowing and oral problems, texture and route of administration of the diet, changes in dietary intake, and presence of digestive disorders. A total of 398 individuals (184 men) with an average age of 77 years were included in the assessment. Poor nutritional status was recorded in 58% of the individuals. Factors independently associated with unsatisfactory nutritional status included weight loss, functional dependence, cognitive impairment, loneliness, living without a partner, history of heart disease, lung disease, and the presence of acute vomiting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain. pilar.jurschik@infermeria.udl.cat
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jürschik
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: Román
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Solá
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nuin
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Botigué
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lavedán
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss