Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Undernutrition in a Geriatric Outpatient Setting: Results from a Multidimensional Nutritional Assessment

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with undernutrition in older patients in a geriatric
outpatient setting.
Methods: A cross-sectional study in people aged 65 years or older was conducted at a geriatric outpatient clinic in
Bangkok, Thailand. Nutritional status was assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score. Demographic
data, activities of daily living, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), anthropometric measurements, complete blood
count, and serum albumin were recorded in every subject. Body composition analysis was measured by bioelectrical
analysis (BIA) at the same visit.
Results: Three hundred and twenty-four adults (63% women) with a mean age of 77.5 years (SD 6.8 years) were
enrolled. Prevalence of undernutrition, at-risk of undernutrition, and well-nourished were 8.3%, 35.5%, and 56.2%,
respectively. In univariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with increased risk of undernutrition
(defined by MNA <24) were dependency in carrying out instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) or basic
activities of daily living (BADL), dementia, depression, low education, cerebrovascular disease, polypharmacy,
female, multiple co-morbidities, and increasing age. In multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and
gender, depression, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia were significantly associated with risk of undernutrition.
Conclusion: Although older patients in our study had higher socioeconomic status than general population, the
prevalence of undernutrition in our geriatric clinic was high. Factors significantly associated with undernutrition in
our study were depression, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. Early recognition and intervention are essential
for effective undernutrition prevention.